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.
FORT PIERCE, FL (June 15, 2026) — The clock is ticking for 2026 high school graduates in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Indian River State College (The River) is calling on all eligible students to act now. The Promise Program deadline is July 13, 2026 — and it comes fast.
The Promise Program covers two full years of in-state tuition for eligible 2026 graduates or until an associate degree is complete, whichever comes first. Students can earn an Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science degree. The program is open to students from public, charter, approved private, and in-district homeschool programs in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Best of all, there are no GPA or income requirements to qualify.
The Process Takes Time — Start Today
Many students don’t realize that there are several important steps after submitting their application at Indian River State College. First, students must submit the 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), as well as required Florida residency documents. Next, they must request for their official high school transcripts to be sent. Finally, they must register for at least 12 credit hours in the Fall 2026 semester.
Each step can take days or weeks to process, so students who wait too long will not finish in time. To allow time for gathering all documents and completing registration, students should start today — or no later than July 1.
To qualify for Fall 2026 funding, students must complete all steps before July 13:
Apply for the Fall 2026 term at irsc.edu and select “Yes” when prompted for the Promise Program in the application
Submit the 2026–2027 FAFSA at studentaid.gov and select for results to be sent to Indian River State College (school code: 001493)
Submit Florida residency documents
Send official high school transcripts
Register for a minimum of 12 credit hours in Fall 2026
Attend New Student Orientation August 13 – 14
Your Future Starts Now
The Promise Program offers more than a tuition-free associate degree — it is a launchpad. Students can earn an associate degree close to home and build a career debt-free. However, none of that is possible without taking action today.
Made Possible by Our Community
Last year, donors helped thousands of local young people pursue their dreams tuition-free. The Indian River State College Foundation makes it all possible. Through donor generosity, the Foundation funds this last-dollar scholarship and removes the single biggest barrier to higher education. Every dollar invested in Promise strengthens families, builds the local workforce, and shapes the future of the Treasure Coast region. To learn more or support the Promise Program, visit giving.irsc.edu.
Get Started
For more information and FAQs, visit irsc.edu/admissions/promise. A recorded information session is available to view online for students and families. For further questions, email promise@irsc.edu or call (772) 462-4772 (toll-free: 1-866-792-4772).
The annual tournament fuels tuition-free degrees for students across a four-county region.
The 2026 winning team celebrates with the crystal trophy at the tournament awards ceremony. The team includes John Biggs, Andrew Lynsky, Adrian Voster, and Kip Byrne.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (June 4, 2026) — The Indian River State College Foundation raised $47,357.66 at the 2026 Promise Cup Golf Tournament. The event took place at the PGA Golf Club at PGA Village’s Ryder Course in Port St. Lucie. Altogether, 112 participants joined the day to support the Indian River State College Promise Program.
The Promise Program provides tuition-free associate degrees to Indian River State College students. It serves eligible high school graduates in Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. Every dollar raised directly eliminates financial barriers for students in these communities.
A COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO ITS OWN FUTURE
The screenings focused on four key fitness areas for each Special Olympics athlete:
Flexibility and range of motion
Strength and muscular endurance
Balance and coordination
Aerobic fitness levels
In addition, the screenings gave athletes personalized insight into their own health and performance. Every reading, every assessment, every interaction mattered.
TOURNAMENT CHAMPIONS
Several players rose to the top throughout the day. Their performance reflected the competitive spirit and community pride that defines the Promise Cup.
Championship Foursome: Datum’s John Biggs, Kip Byrne, Adrian Voster, Andrew Lynsky Longest Drive — Andrew Lynsky Closest to Pin: Steve Branch Putting Contest Winner: Tim Walters
SPONSORS WHO MADE IT POSSIBLE
The Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to every sponsor. Their investment transformed this tournament into a life-changing opportunity for students across the region.
Title and supporting sponsors include: Blyco Electric; Brooklyn Water Bagel; Coral Shores Behavioral Health; Dyer Chevrolet; Florida Ready Mix; Fort Pierce Utilities Authority; Gilbert Chevrolet; Gilbert Ford; Hi-Tide Boat Lifts; James Moore & Co.; Piper; Proctor Construction; Spiezle; Steinger, Greene & Feiner; The Porch Factory; Treasure Coast Lexus; Treasure Coast Toyota of Stuart; and all additional sponsors.
MORE THAN A ROUND OF GOLF
The Promise Program drives measurable results. Since its inception, Indian River State College reports increases in enrollment and student retention. Furthermore, the program strengthens the regional workforce pipeline. Consequently, it addresses skills gaps in high-demand industries and creates pathways to prosperity for families across all four counties.
ABOUT THE INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE FOUNDATION
The Indian River State College Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It funds the Promise Program and awards more than 1,600 scholarships annually. Events like the Promise Cup Golf Tournament make higher education accessible to all eligible students.
To learn more or to get involved, visit giving.irsc.edu, call (772) 462-4786, or email foundation@irsc.edu. For Promise Program details, visit promise.irsc.edu.
ABOUT INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE
Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The College educates 24,000 students each year through traditional and online programs. Indian River State College offers more than 130 pathways leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. Learn more at irsc.edu.
PTA students, graduates, and faculty bring world-class clinical skills to the Special Olympics State Summer Classic — and leave inspired.
The Indian River State College PTA team gathers after two days of volunteer service at the 2026 Special Olympics State Summer Classic at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando. The group includes current students, graduates, and faculty who conducted athlete screenings at the event.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (June 4, 2026) — The ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex buzzed with energy recently. The Special Olympics State Summer Classic brought together extraordinary athletes from across Florida. And Indian River State College (The River) showed up ready.
Current Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students, graduates, and faculty volunteered at the event. They served alongside Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students from across the state. Licensed physical therapists and physical therapist assistants joined them too. Together, they gave these athletes something powerful: the gift of expert care.
On the Field: Screening for Greatness
The screenings focused on four key fitness areas for each Special Olympics athlete:
Flexibility and range of motion
Strength and muscular endurance
Balance and coordination
Aerobic fitness levels
In addition, the screenings gave athletes personalized insight into their own health and performance. Every reading, every assessment, every interaction mattered.
Rising Above: A Performance That Turns Heads
Multiple professionals at the event took notice. They recognized the clinical skills the Indian River State College team demonstrated. The compliments kept coming.
As a result, this event reinforced a powerful truth: Indian River State College builds graduates who are ready. Ready to lead. Ready to serve. Ready to make a difference from day one.
Voices from the Sidelines
“Our students rose to every challenge at this event,” said Indian River State College PTA Associate Professor Dr.Wendy Smith. “They worked side-by-side with licensed professionals and DPT students from across the state. These athletes push past their limits every single day. And our students matched that energy every step of the way. We could not be prouder.”
“These athletes are extraordinary,” said Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Indian River State College Executive Dean of Health & Human Sciences. “They inspire everyone around them. Sharing this experience with them — seeing their resilience and joy firsthand — is exactly why we do this work. Our students brought energy, precision, and genuine heart to every screening. Moments like these define what Indian River State College is all about.”
“Events like the Special Olympics State Summer Classic are where classroom preparation meets real-world impact,” said Ann Hubbard, Associate Dean of Health Sciences at Indian River State College. “Watching our PTA students conduct screenings alongside licensed professionals and DPT students from across the state speaks directly to the rigor of our program. They performed at the highest level. That’s the standard we set, and they delivered.”
About the Indian River State College PTA Program
Indian River State College offers an accredited Physical Therapist Assistant program that prepares students for the real world — not just the classroom. The program builds clinical assessment skills, patient care expertise, and rehabilitation techniques from day one.
Moreover, Indian River State College believes in unlocking potential. Each student carries a commitment to excellence into every clinical setting. Events like the Special Olympics reflect that mission in its purest form.
The River proudly serves students across the Treasure Coast region of Florida. Indian River State College: where potential meets purpose.
Ready to rise? Apply today at irsc.edu/apply and start your journey toward a career that changes lives.
“Violet’s Mission to Mars,” written and illustrated by Project STAGE student Serenity Raye Simon, on display at her book signing event. The book is available through Lulu Junior.
The Story
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (June 2, 2026) — At Indian River State College, potential has no limits. Now, one student is proving that firsthand. Project STAGE student Serenity Raye Simon has published her first children’s book, “Violet’s Mission to Mars.”
The Spark
Simon’s story begins with curiosity. During the Summer of 2025, she discovered a deep love for rocketry while studying under Professor Jon Bell. That spark refused to stay in the classroom. As a result, she channeled it into a book that brings the wonder of space to life for young readers.
“When Professor Bell introduced me to rocketry, something just clicked. I wanted little girls to look up at the sky and believe they could go there someday,” said Simon.
Project STAGE student and author Serenity Raye Simon reads her book, Violet’s Mission to Mars, aloud to preschool-aged children at The River’s Child Development Center during a special book signing event on May 1, 2026.
The Book
In Fall 2025, Simon got to work. First, she built a full storyboard from scratch. Then, she created every illustration herself. After months of dedication, she completed the manuscript. “Violet’s Mission to Mars” has since been published by print-on-demand company Lulu Junior and is available at https://lulujr.com/pages/orders (Book number: SU1597155LM).
The Impact
To celebrate, Simon recently visited preschool-aged children at The River’s Child Development Center. She read her book aloud and inspired the next generation of dreamers.
“Seeing their faces light up made the weekly studio time worth it,” said Simon. “When those kids leaned in during storytime, I felt like I had really done something.”
“Serenity’s journey from student to published author shows exactly what Project STAGE students are capable of,” said Project STAGE Director JoAnn Pagano. “Her creativity and determination reflect everything this program stands for.”
What’s Next
Simon plans to graduate in December 2026 with a Digital Media Certification. Her book stands as a powerful reminder: great things happen when students dare to dream.
About Project STAGE
Project STAGE — Students Transitioning to Academics and Gainful Employment — empowers students with unique abilities to rise higher. The program gives students the full college experience at The River. They take classes, join clubs, and build professional skills alongside peer mentors. Moreover, they gain hands-on experience through job shadowing, internships, and life skills training in areas such as financial planning and independent living. Many students enter a workforce career pathway and earn industry certifications.
Project STAGE students and faculty celebrate at the program’s 2nd Annual Banquet, proudly displaying their challenge coins — a symbol of their hard work and achievement at Indian River State College.
Ready to write your own story? Your mission starts here. Interested students and families can learn more by contacting Program Manager JoAnn Pagano at (772) 462-7817 or jpagano1@irsc.edu. Additional information is also available at irsc.edu/programs/special-programs/project-stage.
About Indian River State College
Indian River State College serves Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The college provides high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students. Students access more than 130 programs through traditional and online formats. Programs lead to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.
The River’s PTK Nu Iota Chapter Earns National Honor, Shatters Membership Records, and Brings Fort Pierce History to Life
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (June 2, 2026) — Indian River State College’s Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society Nu Iota Chapter has risen to national recognition — earning the prestigious Distinguished Honors in Action Project Award. PTK is the world’s largest honor society for two-year college students, celebrating academic excellence and resilience. This honor reflects the chapter’s unwavering commitment to scholarship, innovation, and community. Furthermore, Nu Iota is unlocking new possibilities across The River’s campuses — empowering more students than ever before.
Members of Indian River State College’s Phi Theta Kappa Nu Iota Chapter are inducted during the Spring 2026 ceremony, each holding a white rose — a symbol of scholarship, leadership, and the journey ahead.
Preserving History, Earning National Recognition
Nu Iota members embraced a bold challenge — partnering with the Indian River State College Miley Library to digitize historical newspapers and tell the story of the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce. Their creativity and commitment transformed archival research into real-world scholarship. Consequently, that drive to rise above earned the chapter its national Honors in Action recognition.
The Honors in Action framework empowers students to research, connect, and apply learning beyond the classroom. As a result, these students didn’t just study history — they helped preserve it for their community and for generations to come.
Students Step Into the History They Preserved
As a capstone to their research, students visited the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum — stepping into the very history they had worked to protect. There, they explored new horizons and discovered details that brought their scholarship to life. In particular, students uncovered how Fort Pierce earned its name and why it matters to this region.
Indian River State College PTK Nu Iota members and faculty advisors visit the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce — bringing their research to life and stepping into the local history they worked to preserve.
Students also explored the origins of Naval Combat Demolition training and the story of the Scouts and Raiders — a historic unit with deep local roots. In January 1943, the Scouts & Raiders School relocated from Little Creek, Virginia, to Fort Pierce. That pivotal move helped shape the foundation of modern special operations training.
“One of my favorite parts was learning details closely tied to our local history,” said student Rheanna Buckman. “We also spoke with long-tenured museum staff members. Their insight provided a truly hands-on learning experience.”
Librarian Brett Williams championed the research effort alongside Faculty Chapter Advisors Dr. David Purificato and Dr. Robert Lowery — guiding students every step of the way.
Nu Iota members explored the Medal of Honor exhibit at the National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum — encountering the stories of the brave men whose legacy is deeply tied to Fort Pierce and the Treasure Coast.
Unprecedented Growth in Numbers and Impact
The River’s Nu Iota Chapter is not just growing — it is soaring. In 2024, the chapter welcomed 80 new members. By 2025, that number more than doubled to 191. Moreover, Spring 2026 alone brought 132 new inductees, putting the chapter on pace to shatter every record it has set.
Beyond numbers, this growth reflects a community unlocking its potential. Nu Iota now operates with a full executive board, fostering belonging and empowering members to lead, serve, and give back. Additionally, the chapter holds a 4-Star national PTK rating — with its sights set firmly on 5.
“Our chapter is growing because our students are doing meaningful work,” said Chapter President Jaselle Perrin. “This award reflects their curiosity, dedication, and desire to make a real difference.”
“Watching these students go from digitizing old newspapers to standing inside the museum that holds that history — that’s the magic of what we do here at The River,” said Gracia Buzziz, Director of Student Experience. “This award belongs to them. They showed up, they dug in, and they made us proud.”
About Indian River State College
Indian River State College serves Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The college provides high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students. Students access more than 130 programs through traditional and online formats. Programs lead to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.
Anthony Sementelli enrolled at Indian River State College at 58 years old. He applied alongside his two teenage daughters. Two years later, he graduates with a degree in business administration — proof, he says, that life only finishes when you decide it’s over.
When Covid Reset Everything
For most of his adult life, Anthony ran a family business he started as a young man. Then the pandemic hit. Consumer habits shifted. Inflation squeezed margins. The business he had built over decades no longer fit the world he was living in. “Covid kind of took the lights out of that company,” he says plainly. Rather than rebuild something he no longer believed in, Anthony chose a different path entirely. “I realized I really didn’t want to do what I was doing anymore,” he says. “I needed to reinvent myself — and I needed to add some education to match my business experience.” That decision brought him to The River.
A Family Affair: Enrolling with His Daughters
What happened next is the kind of story that doesn’t come along often. As Anthony made his application to The River, so did his daughters — one 17 years old, one 16 and dual-enrolled. They filled out applications together, registered for classes together, and even sat in some of the same courses. “College was a family affair at my house,” he says with a laugh. One daughter has since transferred to a school up north. The other still studies at The River today.
Studying Together: A Give-and-Take Between Generations
Sharing the college experience with his daughters gave Anthony something unexpected: quality time he would never have had otherwise. They studied together, navigated challenges together, and watched each other grow. His daughters saw up close what it takes to re-enter school after 40 years away — relearning study habits, adapting to modern classroom technology, wrestling with concepts that had simply never existed before. Anthony, in turn, saw the pressures his daughters faced as first-time college students and helped them through them. “It was really a give and take,” he says. “A blessing to me.”
The River Made Room for an Adult Learner
Anthony started part time, unsure how far he’d go or how well he’d do. The River met him where he was. “They have resources that make learning easy, if you make those available to yourself,” he says. “As long as you’re willing to put in the time, The River is willing to support that in every way possible.” For a returning adult juggling a completely rebuilt life, that support made all the difference.
A Navy Veteran Who Knows How to Dig In
Anthony’s resilience didn’t appear out of nowhere. He served in the U.S. Navy beginning in 1985, during peacetime, and credits those years as some of the best of his life. “I met some of my lifelong friends there,” he says, “and learned a lot about what it takes to keep our nation free.” That foundation — discipline, perseverance, the ability to adapt — carried him through the obstacles he faced as a student decades later.
Walking Across the Stage at 60
When Anthony crosses the commencement stage this spring, he will do so having completely altered his life to make it happen. “I persevered through the obstacles I faced,” he says, “and now I get to enjoy the benefits of having faced that challenge and succeeded — in a big way.” The man who applied at 58, uncertain of what he could achieve, graduates at 60 with a business administration degree and a clear-eyed sense of what comes next.
His Message: Jump In
To anyone who thinks they’ve aged out of a fresh start, Anthony’s message is direct: you haven’t. “It’s never too late to reinvent yourself,” he says. “I’m a perfect example.” He doesn’t dress it up. “You can do anything you put your mind to. Life only finishes when you decide it’s over.” Then he adds one final word of encouragement that sums it all up: “Jump in. The water’s warm — and the future looks bright.”
YOUR FUTURE’S IN MOTION. ARE YOU?
College doesn’t have to be confusing or out of reach.The River gives you the clarity, support, and energy to move—on your terms.
Annmarie McDearmont first visited Indian River State College (The River) as a child, drawn in by the planetarium. Years later, she came back as a student — and The River turned a childhood spark into a full-blown science career. This spring, she graduates with a bachelor’s degree in biology, two internships, and a research presentation on her record.
A Science Love Story, Starting Young
Annmarie loved science from the time she was a little kid. She once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Over time, though, her focus shifted from working with live animals to working in the lab — and The River’s broad biology curriculum gave her the room to make that discovery on her own terms. “Being here helped me explore different avenues so I could figure out that I wanted to be in the lab,” she says. The planetarium visit planted the seed. The biology program grew it.
A Smooth Path Through the Curriculum
Annmarie arrived at The River with some high school college credits already in hand. Her guidance counselors helped her navigate the scheduling gaps those credits created and set her up for a clean path forward. Once she entered her bachelor’s program, advisor Merle Litvack stepped in and made sure every semester lined up correctly. “She helped me organize my classes and kept me on course for graduation,” Annmarie says. The progression felt natural: general biology first, then molecular biology, organic chemistry, and the deeper science that defines the degree.
Faculty Who Showed Up
When the coursework got tough, Annmarie didn’t face it alone. Faculty across The River — including professors outside the sciences — made themselves available for office hours and personal tutoring sessions in the library labs. “That was definitely very beneficial for when I was having trouble in some classes,” she says. Even the transition from high school to college structure, which she describes as her biggest early challenge, became manageable through study groups, peer connections, and professors who responded every time she asked for help.
The STEM Pioneer Program: A Launchpad for Real Experience
One of the most significant parts of Annmarie’s time at The River came through the STEM Pioneer Program. The program didn’t just build community — it opened doors to internship opportunities that most undergraduates never access. “Seeing familiar faces in all your classes and with your professors makes it very easy to form connections and study groups,” she says of the tight-knit STEM Pioneer community. But the internships changed her trajectory most.
Internship One: Engineering Mosquitoes in Vero Beach
During the first half of her bachelor’s program, Annmarie landed a volunteer-based internship through Merle and the STEM Pioneer Program at a lab in Vero Beach. There, she worked with live mosquitoes and injected mosquito eggs to create genetically engineered insects designed to control vector-borne diseases. “I got to work in an actual lab,” she says. The experience went straight onto her résumé and CV — and gave her a preview of what a real research environment feels like.
Internship Two: Pharmaceutical Research at FAU’s Center for Translational Sciences
For her senior capstone, Annmarie secured an internship at Florida International University’s Center for Translational Sciences — again through Merle. She works in a pharmaceutical lab three days a week, testing drugs and drug delivery systems alongside her principal investigator (PI) and postdoctoral mentor, Dr. Shafi. “The people I’ve met there, the environment — it’s been genuinely incredible,” she says.
Her PI involves her in every step of the research, from designing experiments to preparing presentations. Dr. Shafi works with her daily, answers her questions, and reviews her work. “It really helps you understand what it’s like to work in an actual lab,” Annmarie says.
Presenting Research as an Undergraduate
Before she walks across the commencement stage, Annmarie will have presented her capstone research at two venues: The River’s own Undergraduate Spring Science Symposium and the Center for Translational Sciences. Both presentations add to a CV that already stands out for a graduating bachelor’s student. “That’s another thing I can put on my CV,” she says with characteristic practicality.
The Classroom and the Lab: Two Sides of the Same Education
Throughout her internships, Annmarie kept noticing the same thing: what she learned at The River showed up directly in her lab work. “There were many times I would be doing something at the internship and remember learning about it in class that week,” she says. The connection ran both ways — lab experiences made classroom concepts click faster, and classroom learning made her a more capable intern. That feedback loop, she believes, defines what a strong science education looks like.
What’s Next: The Lab, and Maybe Graduate School
After graduation, Annmarie plans to enter the workforce in lab sciences — pharmaceutical research and biomedical sciences both interest her. Graduate school remains on the table, and her internship record gives her a strong foundation for either path. “There is a lot you can do with a biology degree,” she says. “That’s part of the reason I love it so much.” Walking across the stage will feel a little strange after 18 consecutive years in school — but mostly, she says, it will feel very, very good.
Grateful for the People Who Made It Possible
Annmarie thanks her parents for keeping her grounded through the stressful stretches, her closest friends Cassie and Riley for being her sounding board throughout the journey, and Merle Levac above all — the advisor and STEM Pioneer Program coordinator who connected her to every internship and kept her schedule on track from day one of her bachelor’s program. “She has just been so, so valuable to my experience here,” Annmarie says.
YOUR FUTURE’S IN MOTION. ARE YOU?
College doesn’t have to be confusing or out of reach.The River gives you the clarity, support, and energy to move—on your terms.
Jermaine Johnson grew up dreaming of suits and ties. This spring, he graduates from Indian River State College with an associate degree in business administration — and his eyes already locked on the fastest-growing field in the business world: artificial intelligence.
A Roundabout Road to The River
Jermaine’s path to graduation wasn’t a straight line. He played football at Okeechobee High School and received an offer from another college. That detour didn’t stick. He came back to The River — and found exactly what he needed. “It’s been great ever since,” he says simply. Sometimes the right place takes a try or two to find.
Business Has Always Been His World
The pull toward business started early. “Since I was little, the suits and ties always stood out for me,” Jermaine says. That instinct guided him toward business administration, and The River gave him the foundation to act on it. His final course — Financial Accounting II with Professor Redman — wraps up right alongside his degree. He also pursued an IT certification independently, adding a technical credential to his business toolkit on his own initiative.
The Faculty Member Who Made Graduation Possible
When Jermaine talks about the people who shaped his journey, one name comes up immediately: Dr. Maitland. “I wouldn’t even be walking at graduation if it wasn’t for her,” he says. “This is all possible because of her.” Dr. Maitland connected him with the right people, mapped out his schedule, and set him on track for both graduation and the bachelor’s program that follows. Professor Redman also gets a strong shout-out for guiding him through his coursework. Together, the business faculty upstairs at The River gave Jermaine the support structure he needed to finish strong.
Use the Resources — They’re There for You
Like most students, Jermaine hit rough patches along the way. His approach never changed: use what’s available. “The resources are always there,” he says. “A lot of students don’t take advantage of them — but they’re there for you.” His advice for any student who’s struggling is direct: start with your professor, have a real conversation, then go to tutoring, then go to whoever else you need. “The people here have real experience that can help you,” he says.
Betting on Artificial Intelligence
After graduation, Jermaine plans to earn his bachelor’s degree and position himself at the intersection of business and technology. His specific target: AI. “The AI bubble is booming, and it’s a great opportunity to get in at the start,” he says. His business administration background gives him a strong foundation, and his self-directed IT certification signals exactly the kind of initiative that field rewards. He sees the opportunity clearly and he’s moving toward it.
A Weight Off His Shoulders
Crossing the commencement stage means something specific to Jermaine. “It’s going to feel like a big weight dropping off my shoulders,” he says. “It’s been a long time coming.” His parents will be there, along with his sister and possibly his grandparents, watching their family’s wishes for him come true. “Knowing that my family is proud is going to make me feel complete,” he says. Their belief in him and his belief in himself — finally, at the same moment.
College Is What You Make It
To anyone questioning whether college is worth the effort, Jermaine keeps it simple: “College is what you make it. When you have all the tools and resources available to you, you need to take advantage of them.” The hardest part, he says, isn’t the coursework — it’s the balancing act. A busy schedule, a full life, competing demands. But take that first step, use what’s in front of you, and the rest follows.
YOUR FUTURE’S IN MOTION. ARE YOU?
College doesn’t have to be confusing or out of reach.The River gives you the clarity, support, and energy to move—on your terms.
Titeus Welch started nursing school with decades of life already behind her, a young son watching her every move, and two parents who believed in her completely. She lost both of them — one each semester — during her first year. Still, she kept going. On May 6, she graduates from Indian River State College with her associate degree in nursing, and she already plans to start her bachelor’s program in August.
A Mission, Not Just a Career
Titeus didn’t choose nursing for a paycheck. She chose it because helping people heal — guiding them through a health crisis at their most vulnerable — felt like a calling. “The idea of helping individuals heal and helping them navigate a healthcare crisis was really important to me,” she says. “It’s actually a mission in life.” She had started a university degree in her twenties but never finished. That unfinished business stayed with her for years. Eventually, she decided to do something about it.
Returning to School After Decades Away
Titeus enrolled at The River in the fall of 2022, more than two decades after her first attempt at college. The doubts came immediately. “I had a lot of trepidations,” she admits. “I had been out of school for a couple of decades.” She also worried about sitting in class with students young enough to be her children. Those fears dissolved quickly. “I fit in perfectly,” she says. “The students were extremely welcoming. There wasn’t an age gap like I thought there would be.” The community at The River pulled her in, and she stayed. “I started to doggy paddle initially,” she says with a smile, “and then I started to swim.”
The Hardest Year: Losing Both Parents
In her first semester, Titeus’s father passed away. During her second semester, her mother followed. She lost the two people who had been her greatest supporters in the span of two semesters. “I was like, how am I going to keep going?” she says. “My two main supporters are no longer here.” She had to dig deeper than she ever had before. What kept her moving was purpose — the knowledge that this was exactly the right moment, even if the circumstances were devastating. “I knew this was the time,” she says. “I just knew.”
Studying for Her Son
Grief aside, Titeus also carried a different kind of motivation: her young son. She wanted him to see, up close, that it’s never too late to chase something meaningful. “I needed to show him that he could do it no matter what age he was,” she says. The late nights studying, her son asking her to come to bed — all of it made sense in the end. “It was well worth it. Trust me.”
Faculty Who Prepared Her to Heal, Not Harm
Titeus speaks about The River’s nursing faculty with deep respect. In clinical settings, she watched how hospital staff reacted when The River’s students arrived on the floor. “They were elated to have us,” she says, “because they knew their day was going to go so much smoother.” One statement from a faculty member lodged itself permanently in her mind: that nurses have the power to heal — and also the ability to harm. The faculty took that responsibility seriously, ensuring every student left the program genuinely competent. “We look forward to healing the community once we graduate,” Titeus says.
Scholarships That Kept Life from Falling Apart
The Indian River State College Foundation awarded Titeus scholarships across three separate semesters. For a student navigating nursing school while managing grief, a young child, and all the demands of adult life, that support proved critical. “Life is still happening while you’re in nursing school,” she says. “The Foundation really helped me balance the financial side and make sure nothing fell through the cracks.” She is deeply, genuinely grateful.
President of the Student Nurses Association
Between coursework, clinicals, and everything else, Titeus also led. She served as president of The River’s chapter of the National Student Nurses Association, organizing community initiatives, campus activities, and participation in the Alzheimer’s Association’s annual walk. Her reasoning goes beyond resume-building. “Nursing and leadership go hand in hand,” she says. “You’re going to need to advocate for your patients — and if you’re already in that leadership role as a student nurse, you’re already prepared.”
Bonds Built Across Four Semesters
The friendships Titeus formed in the program are another thing she carries out with her diploma. “People come from different walks of life, and then you come to the same college for the same purpose,” she says. “You create bonds that are lifelong.” Those friends answered the phone on the hard days, talked her down from the edge of quitting, and reminded her why she started. They grew through the same four semesters together, and they graduate together too.
May 6: Taking It All In
When Titeus walks across the stage on May 6, she plans to slow down and feel every second of it. “I know the journey that led to me getting onto that stage,” she says. “It has been a long, long journey — but so absolutely rewarding.” After graduation, she starts her bachelor’s program at The River in August, with nurse practitioner school on the horizon beyond that. The woman who once worried about fitting in has become a leader, a caregiver, and an example — for her son, her classmates, and anyone who thinks it might be too late to begin.
YOUR FUTURE’S IN MOTION. ARE YOU?
College doesn’t have to be confusing or out of reach.The River gives you the clarity, support, and energy to move—on your terms.
Medal of Honor Recipient Kyle Carpenter, Musician Shawn Mims, Nursing Executive Ashley Barquin, and Technology Innovator Taylor Gerring Headline Six Ceremonies; More Than 1,500 Treasure Coast Graduates Cross the Stage
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (May 8, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) achieved a landmark milestone this spring. The college conferred its 100,000th credential since its founding. The River hosted its Spring 2026 Commencement on May 6, 7, and 8, 2026. Six ceremonies took place at the Westside Center, 3361 South Jenkins Road, Fort Pierce, Florida. More than 1,500 graduates crossed the stage, and more than 8,000 family members and friends attended the ceremonies — marking one of the most significant commencement seasons in the college’s recent history.
Nursing graduates celebrate during their pinning and commencement ceremony as colorful streamers fill the air, Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Notably, the class included hundreds of Promise Program completers. Many of them became the first in their families to earn a college degree. Together, they embody The River’s core mission: accessible, high-quality education for every Treasure Coast student. The graduates are from the college’s service district: Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties.
Across three days, The River delivered a heartfelt celebration of achievement. Graduates earned bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and nursing credentials. The latter carries special significance as The River celebrates the 60th anniversary of its nursing program. Others received career and technical education certifications, GED diplomas, and Educator Preparation certificates. Families filled the Westside Center with cheers, tears, and embraces at every turn.
A graduate smiles as she approaches the stage to receive her diploma during Indian River State College’s Spring Commencement ceremony.
Beyond celebration, the ceremonies underscored a critical regional need. River graduates directly fuel the Treasure Coast’s growing economy. They enter nursing, skilled trades, technology, and business at a pivotal moment. Their credentials strengthen the region’s workforce — and transform their own lives in the process.
Ceremony Details and Distinguished Speakers
Academic Coordinator Abelard Cesar performed the National Anthem before each of the six ceremonies. His performances set a proud and patriotic tone for every event throughout the three-day celebration.
Bachelor’s Degree Ceremony — May 6, 2026
Lance Corporal (Ret) Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor Recipient, addresses graduates during the Bachelor’s degree commencement ceremony on May 6, 2026.
Lance Corporal (Ret) Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor Recipient, delivered the opening commencement address. In 2010, Carpenter shielded a fellow Marine from a grenade in Afghanistan. He survived. He recovered. Then he earned his college degree and became a bestselling author. His message of resilience and selfless service resonated deeply with The River’s newest graduates.
Ashley Barquin, DNP, APRN-C, addresses graduates during the nursing degree commencement ceremony.
“Graduates, today you leave here with degrees in hand, but most importantly, you leave here with decisions in front of you,” said Carpenter. “Make the decision to give life everything you’ve got. Life is a hard-earned but worthy journey. Enjoy and appreciate the beautiful moments.”
Ashley Barquin, DNP, APRN-C, Chief Nursing Officer at Florida Coast Medical Center, delivered the nursing graduation keynote address. Barquin brought a powerful frontline perspective to the ceremony and pinning. She spoke directly to nurses entering a demanding field. Her message: the Treasure Coast needs you, and you are ready.
“Dedication leads you to the degree, but compassion earns you the pin,” said Barquin. “Today, these graduates stop studying the pulse of the community and start becoming it.”
Associate Degree, Other Degree & Certificates Ceremony — May 7, 2026
Additionally, musician and entrepreneur Shawn Mimsdelivered remarks at the ceremonies on May 7. Mims earned global recognition with his platinum hit “This Is Why I’m Hot.” He spoke on creative entrepreneurship, self-belief, and the power of community. His words connected with graduates preparing to step boldly into their next chapter.
“Keep going when the path changes,” said Mims. “Keep going when the plans have changed. Keep going when the results take longer than you expected. Keep going when people don’t see in you what you see in yourself, yet. And while you do, and while you build something that matters, I want you to build a life that you can be proud of. Build with character. Build with courage. Build with integrity. Build in a way that makes the people who sacrificed for you feel like it was worth it.”
Shawn Mims addresses hundreds of graduates and their families during Indian River State College’s Spring Commencement ceremony on May 7, 2026.
Associate Degree, Other Degree & Certificates Ceremony — May 8, 2026
Technology innovator and entrepreneur Taylor Gerring also addressed the class on May 8. Gerring, a proud Indian River State College alumnus, graduated with an associate’s degree in business in 2003. He shared his journey from The River to the frontier of emerging technology.
“You can never know how life will turn out, but to make the most of it, you will need to jump in with both feet, show up consistently, and celebrate wins,” Gerring told the graduates.
Tech entrepreneur Taylor Gerring addresses graduates during Indian River State College’s Spring 2026 Commencement ceremony.
Quote from College President
“One hundred thousand credentials — each one a turning point,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President of Indian River State College. “Behind every diploma is a story of grit, sacrifice, and possibility realized. These graduates have transformed their lives, deepened our community, and proven what Indian River State College was built to do.”
Quote from Provost
“This class is a portrait of everything Indian River State College stands for,” said Dr. Heather Belmont, Provost of Indian River State College. “Promise scholars, nurses, skilled tradespeople — they arrived with different dreams and leave with the same hard-earned result. Every single one of them belongs on this stage.”
Quote from VP of Student Success
“Student success isn’t just about crossing a finish line — it’s about everything we do to make sure students get there,” said Beth Gaskin, Vice President for Student Success at Indian River State College. “This milestone reminds us why we show up every day: to walk alongside our students through every challenge until they reach this moment.”
The Indian River State College Promise Program
The Indian River State College Promise Program provides tuition-free associate degrees to eligible high school graduates. Students from Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee, and St. Lucie counties qualify. The Indian River State College Foundation sponsors and administers the program. Generous donor philanthropy funds every Promise award.
In Spring 2026, hundreds of students completed the Promise Program. Many crossed the stage as the first college graduates in their family’s history. Their success underscores why accessible education remains The River’s highest priority.
About Indian River State College
Indian River State College serves Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties. The college provides high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students. Students access more than 130 programs through traditional and online formats. Programs lead to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. For more information, visit irsc.edu.
River Guide
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