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News Topic: Recognition & Awards

Indian River State College Honors Veterans Day with Continued Commitment to Military Student Excellence
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Nov. 7, 2025) – As the nation prepares to observe Veterans Day, Indian River State College reaffirms its dedication to serving those who have served our country. The College’s comprehensive support programs for military-connected students continue to set the standard for higher education institutions nationwide.
Indian River State College currently serves over 400 student veterans and military family members enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester, with more than 1,300 served throughout 2025. The College has earned recognition as both a Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus and a Gold Status Military Friendly® School for 2025-2026—distinctions that honor institutions providing exceptional support to military students.
“This Veterans Day, we honor the brave men and women who have served our nation and our responsibility to serve them,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President and Army veteran. “At Indian River State College, supporting our veterans is more than a mission—it is a commitment we uphold every day through dedicated programs, personalized resources, and a welcoming community that honors their service while helping them thrive academically.”
At the heart of this commitment is the College’s Military and Veterans Service Department. The department is housed in the Veterans Center of Excellence, a one-stop hub for veteran students from application through graduation. The Center provides comprehensive services, including admissions assistance, VA benefits certification, academic advising, and financial support.
“Success means seeing veterans make the most of their benefits and reach their goals,” said Camilo Medina, Veterans Center of Excellence Coordinator and Army veteran. “Our job is to take the stress out of the process – these students have already given so much. We want them to feel like they belong to a family here, and that’s exactly the environment we create.”
The College’s veteran students consistently demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, with over 250 maintaining GPAs of 3.5 or higher. The institution recently earned a 99.99% compliance rating from the VA, reflecting its commitment to proper administration of veterans’ education benefits.
“Our veteran students are attending, excelling, and making meaningful contributions to our community,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, Associate Vice President of Advising and Career Services and Air Force veteran. “We proudly support service members, veterans, and their families as they pursue their educational goals and transition into successful civilian careers.”
For information about Indian River State College’s veteran services, visit irsc.edu or contact veteransinfo@irsc.edu or (772) 462-7711.
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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.
November 7, 2025
Indian River State College Tutoring Center Earns Prestigious International Certification
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (November 3, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is pleased to announce that its Tutoring Center – encompassing course-embedded learning assistant, peer tutor, and tutor programs – has been awarded certification as Level 1 and Level 2 certified tutor training programs by the internationally recognized College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA).
The River’s Academic Support Center provides professional tutoring across all subject areas to help students succeed.
For more than 30 years, CRLA has been a leader in learning assistance, reading, and academic support programs with almost 1,300 members and over 2,000 certified training programs worldwide. The organization’s International Tutor Training Program Certification (ITTPC) recognizes tutor training programs that have demonstrated excellence in developing, designing, and implementing effective training procedures.
Indian River State College has worked diligently to develop a tutor training program that meets CRLA’s rigorous standards and has successfully completed the ITTPC peer review process. Achieving this certification means that The River has met CRLA’s high standards for tutor selection, training, direct service, and evaluation as an integral part of its overall tutoring program.
“This certification represents our commitment to providing the highest quality academic support services to our students,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “By meeting these internationally recognized standards, we are ensuring that our tutoring programs not only support student success but also provide valuable professional development opportunities for our student tutors.”
The certification brings significant benefits to The River and its students. It sets a benchmark for academic support excellence across the institution, ensures compliance with internationally recognized best practices in higher education tutorial services, and strengthens the connection between curriculum and academic support services.
“Students benefit immensely from working with tutors who are trained in effective helping strategies, communication skills, and structuring the tutoring experience,” said Dr. Lynne O’Dell, Director of STEM Pioneer/School of Science and Adjunct Student Success. “This certification validates the quality and professionalism of our tutoring program and ensures that every student receives support from trained para-professionals who understand best practices in academic assistance.”
For student tutors and learning assistants, the certification provides valuable career development opportunities. Many Indian River State College learning assistants and peer tutors who have transferred to universities have secured employment on campus as tutors because they worked at an institution holding CRLA certification. The program teaches skills commensurate with best practices, increases confidence in content areas and public speaking, and strengthens resumes with an internationally recognized certificate.
“Supporting our students’ academic journey is at the heart of what we do at Indian River State College,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Indian River State College provost. “This CRLA certification demonstrates our dedication to excellence in every aspect of student support, from the classroom to the tutoring center. We’re proud to offer services that meet the highest national standards.”
For more information about tutoring services at Indian River State College, visit https://irsc.libguides.com/TutoringCenters.
November 3, 2025
The River’s Jenna Bluedorn Named Rising Star Award Recipient by Association of National Advertisers
October 24, 2025 – Indian River State College (The River) is proud to announce that Jenna Bluedorn has been selected as a Rising Star Award recipient by the Association of National Advertisers (ANA), a rare distinction for a higher education marketing professional. The award was presented at the 2025 ANA Masters of Marketing Conference, held October 21–24 in Orlando, Florida.
Bluedorn joined Indian River State College in February 2025 as Associate Vice President of Brand Experience, bringing over eight years of digital marketing and client services leadership experience. Prior to The River, she served as Associate Vice President of Client Services at Level Agency in Pittsburgh, where she led marketing strategy for both for-profit and not-profit higher education institutions. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Media and Communication Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and holds a master’s degree in international business from Oxford Brookes University, and a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Spanish from the University of Mount Union.
Jenna Bluedorn is the recipient of the Association of National Advertisers Rising Star Award
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful, not just personally, but for our entire team and the higher education marketing community,” said Jenna Bluedorn. “It validates that the work we’re doing to connect with prospective students and tell our institution’s story is on par with the best marketing practices in any industry. I’m honored to represent higher education on this stage.”
Michael Hageloh, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, emphasized the significance of this achievement: “Education is business, and business is education. Jenna brings this to life every day, working to convert customers to students. This recognition from the ANA places The River’s marketing excellence alongside the nation’s leading brands.”
“Jenna exemplifies the kind of innovative, strategic thinking that drives our institution forward,” said Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore. “Her ability to blend creative marketing approaches with measurable outcomes has elevated our enrollment efforts and strengthened our brand. This national recognition is well-deserved and reflects her dedication to excellence.”
The Association of National Advertisers (ANA) is the leading trade association for the marketing community, representing more than 20,000 brands and 1,000 member companies collectively investing over $400 billion in marketing and advertising annually. The ANA Masters of Marketing Conference brings together the industry’s most influential marketing leaders to share insights, strategies, and innovations shaping the future of marketing.
October 24, 2025
Indian River State College’s Dr. Patricia Gagliano Honored at News Service of Florida’s Above & Beyond Gala
Nursing Dean Recognized Among Florida’s 50 Most Influential Women Leaders
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Oct. 13, 2025) – Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Dean of the School of Nursing at Indian River State College (“The River”), was honored as a recipient of the News Service of Florida Above & Beyond Award at the organization’s 3rd annual Above & Beyond Gala at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Tallahassee.
The Above & Beyond Award celebrated the 50 most influential and thought-provoking women in Florida who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their respective fields while making significant contributions to society. Dr. Gagliano was selected for her transformative work in nursing education and her dedication to advancing the nursing profession across Florida.
Dr. Patricia Gagliano, PhD, RN
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Gagliano. “This award reflects not just my work, but the collective efforts of our incredible faculty, staff, and students at Indian River State College. For more than 25 years, I have been passionate about promoting excellence and innovation in nursing education, and it is gratifying to see our programs making a meaningful impact on healthcare in our community and beyond.”
As Dean of the School of Nursing since 2017, Dr. Gagliano oversees multiple nursing programs across six sites, managing everything from curriculum development to regulatory compliance and clinical partnerships. Under her leadership, The River has successfully implemented concept-based curriculum, NCLEX blueprinting, and NextGen assessment methodologies, resulting in strong licensure attainment and job placement rates for graduates.
“Dr. Gagliano’s recognition as one of Florida’s 50 most influential women leaders is a testament to her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to nursing education,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Provost of Indian River State College. “Under her guidance, our School of Nursing has become a model for innovation and excellence, preparing highly skilled nurses who are meeting critical healthcare needs throughout our region. This honor reflects the profound impact she has made on our institution, our students, and the communities we serve. We are incredibly proud to have Dr. Gagliano as part of The River family.”
Dr. Gagliano holds a PhD in Nursing from Barry University, where she focused her dissertation research on predictors of academic success for nontraditional nursing students. She also earned her master’s degree in nursing administration and bachelor’s degree in nursing from Barry University. Her 27-year tenure at Indian River State College includes 18 years as a nursing instructor and professor before assuming her current role as Dean.
Indian River State College’s School of Nursing is recognized as one of Florida’s premier nursing education programs, offering a comprehensive range of programs including Associate in Science in Nursing (ASN), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) pathways. The school operates across six locations throughout the Treasure Coast, providing accessible, high-quality nursing education to aspiring healthcare professionals. With state-of-the-art simulation labs, experienced faculty, and strong clinical partnerships with regional healthcare facilities, The River’s nursing programs consistently achieve high NCLEX pass rates and graduate employment rates, producing job-ready nurses who go on to serve in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities across Florida and beyond.
The Above & Beyond Gala featured networking, cocktails, keynote remarks, and the presentation of awards to all 50 honorees. The evening brought together influential women leaders from across Florida for a celebration of their achievements and contributions to their communities.
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October 13, 2025
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