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, Fla. (December 3, 2025) —Indian River State College (The River) music students will collaborate with the Port Saint Lucie Community Band for “Sounds of the Season,” a holiday instrumental concert series running Dec. 4-7, 2025.
Directed by Dr. John K. Southall, the performances feature classical seasonal favorites and contemporary arrangements of traditional holiday melodies. The collaboration provides performance opportunities for The River’s music students while delivering seasonal entertainment to Florida’s Treasure Coast region.
Event Information:
Event: Sounds of the Season holiday concert
Performers: Indian River State College music students, Port Saint Lucie Community Band
Dates and Times: Thursday, Dec. 4 and Friday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m.
Location: McAlpin Fine Arts Center at The River, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida
Ticket Prices: General admission available ($20 tickets); Seniors and veterans ($17); The River students, faculty and staff ($10 tickets using code RIVER or with valid ID)
Box Office: Tickets can be purchased in-person, by calling the box office at (772) 462-4750, or online by clicking this link(additional online fees apply). Box Office hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. daily; opens one hour before performances
Contact: (772) 462-4750
The concert series showcases instrumental holiday music performed by college music students and community musicians in Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, Florida.
FORT PIERCE, FL (November 21, 2025) – The Indian River State College Foundation will host a Ball Drop fundraiser on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 2 p.m. at Hammock Creek Golf Club in Palm City. The exciting event will feature hundreds of numbered golf balls dropped from a helicopter onto the driving range, with $20,000 in total cash prizes up for grabs.
The ball that lands closest to the pin will win the grand prize of $10,000, while the next 10 closest balls will each win $1,000. All cash prizes are generously funded by a private donor, and 100% of donation proceeds will directly benefit the Indian River State College (The River) Athletic Department.
“This event represents the perfect combination of community excitement and meaningful support for our student-athletes,” said Scott Kimmelman, Athletic Director at Indian River State College. “Every dollar raised helps us provide our athletes with the resources they need to excel both on the field and in the classroom. We’re grateful to our community for rallying behind our student-athletes year after year.”
The River’s Athletics Department is dedicated to athletic and academic excellence while developing student-athletes through integrity, sportsmanship, and community engagement. Funds raised through the Ball Drop will support scholarships, equipment, facilities, and programs that help student-athletes succeed.
“Indian River State College is deeply committed to developing well-rounded student-athletes who will become leaders in our community,” said Dr. Timothy Moore, President of Indian River State College. “This fundraiser showcases the incredible generosity of our supporters and their belief in the transformative power of athletics. We’re building champions not just in sports, but in life.”
“This unique fundraiser combines the thrill of competition with the opportunity to directly impact our student-athletes,” said Annabel Robertson, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Indian River State College. “It’s wonderful to see our community come together to support these young people who work so hard both in the classroom and in their sport. Every donation makes a meaningful difference.”
Community members can participate by making tax-deductible donations:
$50 donation = 1 ball entry
$100 donation = 3 ball entries
Winners do not need to be present to claim their prizes. To register for the event, click here or contact John Ramfjord, Senior Director of Development, at 772-462-7244 or jramfjord@irsc.edu.
The event will take place at Hammock Creek Golf Club, located at 2400 SW Golden Bear Way, Palm City, FL 34990.
STUART, Fla. (Nov. 12, 2025) — Clark Advanced Learning Center, an A-rated public charter high school operated by Indian River State College, will host an information session for prospective students and families on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the Clark campus. The session is open to all families interested in learning more about Clark’s academic programs, admissions process, and school culture.
“We invite students and families to join us and discover what makes Clark a unique educational opportunity on the Treasure Coast,” said Leslie Judd, Principal and Executive Director of Clark Advanced Learning Center. “This is a great chance to learn about our rigorous academic programs and ask questions about the application process.”
Clark Advanced Learning Center is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 school year for students entering grades 9-12. The primary application period is open through February 28, 2026. Applications submitted after this date will be placed on a waitlist. Families can apply online at www.clarkadvancedlearningcenter.org.
About Clark Advanced Learning Center
Clark Advanced Learning Center is a public charter high school serving students in grades 9-12 on Florida’s Treasure Coast. The school has earned an “A” rating from the Florida Department of Education for 16 consecutive years and holds prestigious designations as a School of Excellence and High Performing Charter School by the Florida Department of Education. Clark is the only high school on the Treasure Coast to receive the School of Excellence designation.
As a charter school operated by Indian River State College, Clark offers students access to college-level coursework, advanced academic programs, and a college-preparatory curriculum designed to prepare graduates for success in higher education and beyond.
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.
Information Session Details:
DATE: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
TIME: 5:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Clark Advanced Learning Center, Knowledge Room, 2400 SE Salerno Road, Stuart, FL 34997
RSVP: Not required
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 28, 2026 (primary consideration period)
For more information about Clark Advanced Learning Center or to apply for the 2026-27 school year, visit www.clarkadvancedlearningcenter.org or contact Leslie Judd at ljudd@irsc.edu or (772) 419-5750.
By Deb Midkiff, Indian River State College Hospitality & Culinary Management Department Chair
As we approach Thanksgiving, I’m excited to share some classic recipes with our River community! I recently appeared on RiverTalk on IRSC Public Media where we talked about preparing the perfect Thanksgiving feast, and so many of you asked for the recipes—so here they are.
Culinary, Restaurant, Hospitality & Tourism Management at The River
At Indian River State College, our Culinary, Restaurant,Hospitality and Tourism Management programs train students in everything from fundaments, modern and classical cooking techniques to hospitality and tourism management. Whether mastering the perfect gravy or front desk, housekeeping, travel and tourism, catering and conference services, our students develop skills that prepare them for careers in restaurants, hotels, tourism, cruiselines, casinos, catering, and culinary arts. The techniques in these recipes are some of the same ones we teach in our kitchens here at The River. I sincerely hope you try and enjoy them!
Thanksgiving Menu
Chef Midkiff’s Thanksgiving menu includes: Roasted Turkey, Giblet Gravy, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce, Mashed Potatoes, Green Bean Casserole, and Pumpkin Pie
Chef Deb Midkiff leads the Indian River State College Culinary, Tourism, and Hospitality Program
Helpful Turkey Thawing & Cooking Charts
Turkey Weight in lbs.
# of Days to Thaw
Cooking Time (Unstuffed)
Cooking Time (Stuffed)
8
2
2 hr 45 min
3 hrs
12
3
3 hrs
3 hrs 30 min
16
4
4 hrs
4 hrs 15 min
20
5
4 hrs 30 min
4 hrs 45 min
24
6
5 hrs
5 hrs 15 min
Recipes
Pumpkin Pie
Yield: 8 servings (1 pie)
Ingredients:
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
2 large eggs
1 can (15 oz.) pumpkin
1 can (12 fl. oz.) evaporated milk
1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell
Whipped cream (optional)
Directions:
Mix sugar, cinnamon, salt, ginger and cloves in small bowl.
Beat eggs in large bowl.
Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture.
Gradually stir in evaporated milk.
Pour into pie shell.
Bake in preheated 425°F oven for 15 minutes.
Reduce temperature to 350°F; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean.
Cool on wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate.
Optional: Top with whipped cream before serving.
Roasted Turkey
Ingredients:
1 whole turkey
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 ½ quarts turkey or chicken stock
8 cups prepared stuffing
Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F. Place rack in lowest position.
Remove turkey neck and giblets, rinse turkey, and pat dry with paper towels. Place turkey breast side up on a rack in roasting pan. Season the cavity with salt and pepper. Rub skin with vegetable oil and season with salt and pepper. Position aluminum foil tent over turkey.
Place turkey in oven and pour 2 cups stock into bottom of roasting pan. Baste every 30 minutes with juice. Add stock as drippings evaporate (1-2 cups at a time). Remove foil after 2½ hours. Once turkey reaches 150°F, turn up temperature to 375°F to ensure browning. Roast until meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thigh.
Transfer turkey to serving platter and let stand 20-30 minutes before carving.
Giblet Gravy
Yield: 2-3 cups
Directions:
Remove liver and pour remaining giblet bag contents into large saucepan.
Cover with 2½ cups water and simmer until cooked through, 30-35 minutes.
Remove giblets, let cool, then chop gizzards and heart. Pick meat from neck. Discard bones.
Pour turkey drippings from roasting pan into separate container. Allow grease to separate from juices. Skim fat into another bowl.
Place roasting pan over 2 burners on medium heat.
Add 3-4 tablespoons of fat back into pan and whisk to distribute.
Sprinkle 5-6 tablespoons flour over grease and whisk to combine, loosening bits from bottom.
Cook roux until deep golden brown, 4-5 minutes.
Pour in chicken broth (2-4 cups), whisking constantly.
Cook gravy, whisking gently, until mixture thickens.
Pour in a little turkey drippings.
Continue cooking until thick, adding chopped giblets and black pepper to taste. Use giblet water to thin if needed.
Adjust consistency as necessary.
Stuffing
Yield: 8-12 portions
Ingredients:
¼ cup butter (½ stick)
2 stalks celery, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 large onion, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
2.5 cups Swanson® Chicken Broth
1 package (14 ounces) Pepperidge Farm® Herb Seasoned Stuffing
Directions:
Heat oven to 350°F.
Heat butter in 3-quart saucepan over medium heat. Add celery and onion and cook 5 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Add broth and heat to a boil. Remove from heat. Add stuffing and mix lightly. Season to taste. Spoon into greased 9x13x2-inch baking dish. Cover.
Bake 30 minutes or until hot.
Tips: For crunchier stuffing, bake uncovered. For Cranberry & Pecan Stuffing, add ½ cup each dried cranberries and chopped pecans. For Sausage & Mushroom Stuffing, add 1 cup sliced mushrooms to vegetables and stir in ½ lb cooked, crumbled pork sausage.
Cranberry Sauce
Yield: 2¼ cups
Ingredients:
1 (12 oz) bag fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
Directions:
Wash cranberries and drain well.
In a medium saucepan, combine water and sugar and bring it to boil.
Add cranberries and return to boil.
Reduce heat and boil gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cook until you can hear cranberries popping, 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat, cool and cover.
Mashed Potatoes
Yield: 8 portions
Ingredients:
2 lb Russet potatoes, peeled
6-8 oz milk, warm
2-4 oz butter, softened
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Place peeled potatoes in tap water with 1 teaspoon salt.
Bring to boil and reduce to simmer. Cook until fork tender.
Drain and dry potatoes on low flame in pan to release excess moisture/steam.
Mash potatoes with masher, fork, or ricer.
Stir in warm milk and soft butter until desired consistency.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Green Bean Casserole
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients:
1 can (10½ oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
¾ cup milk
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can (28 oz) any style green beans, drained
1½ cups French’s Original crispy fried onions, divided
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350°F.
Mix soup, milk and pepper in 1½-quart baking dish. Stir in green beans and ⅔ cup fried onions.
Bake 30 minutes or until hot. Stir.
Top with remaining ⅔ cup onions. Bake for 5 minutes until golden brown.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Indian River State College!
Deb Midkiff is a professor in the Culinary, Restaurant and Hospitality & Tourism Management programs at Indian River State College.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Oct. 15, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) is hosting a series of virtual information sessions this fall to guide high school seniors and their families through The River’s Promise Program, which offers 100% tuition coverage for eligible Class of 2026 graduates.
The Promise 2026 Prep Sessions are designed to provide clear, step-by-step guidance to help students take full advantage of this transformative educational opportunity. These free virtual sessions will be offered in both English and Spanish to ensure all families have access to the information they need.
What Families Will Learn:
During these informational sessions, attendees will discover:
What the Promise Program is and who qualifies for 100% tuition coverage
The specific steps required to secure acceptance into the program
Key deadlines and next steps to stay on track for the 2026 academic year
Session Schedule:
Families can choose from multiple dates and language options:
Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
Thursday, Oct. 30 at 5:30 p.m. (Español)
Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
Monday, Dec. 15 at 5:30 p.m. (Español)
Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 5:30 p.m. (English)
How to Learn More:
Families are encouraged to visit irsc.edu/promise to review program requirements and confirm eligibility before attending a session. For questions or additional information, contact the Promise Program team at promise@irsc.edu.
Indian River State College anuncia Sesiones Promise 2026 para ayudar a estudiantes de preparatoria a obtener matrícula gratuita
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (15 de octubre de 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”) ofrecerá una serie de sesiones informativas virtuales este otoño para guiar a estudiantes de último año de preparatoria y a sus familias a través del Programa Promise de The River, que brinda matrícula completamente gratuita a los graduados elegibles de la Clase de 2026.
Las Sesiones de Preparación Promise 2026 están diseñadas para ofrecer orientación clara, paso a paso, y ayudar a los estudiantes a aprovechar al máximo esta oportunidad educativa transformadora. Estas sesiones virtuales son gratuitas y se ofrecerán en inglés y en español para que todas las familias tengan acceso a la información que necesitan.
Lo que aprenderán las familias:
Durante estas sesiones informativas, los asistentes conocerán:
Qué es el Programa Promise y quiénes califican para recibir matrículagratuita
Los pasos necesarios para asegurar su lugar en el programa
Fechas importantes y próximos pasos para mantenerse al día rumbo al añoacadémico 2026
Calendario de sesiones:
Las familias pueden escoger entre varias fechas y opciones de idioma:
Martes, 28 de octubre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
Jueves, 30 de octubre, a las 5:30 p.m. (español)
Miércoles, 19 de noviembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
Lunes, 15 de diciembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (español)
Martes, 16 de diciembre, a las 5:30 p.m. (inglés)
Cómo obtener más información:
Se invita a las familias a visitar irsc.edu/admissions/promise/ para revisar los requisitos del programa y confirmar su elegibilidad antes de asistir a una sesión. Para preguntas o información adicional, comuníquese con el equipo del Programa Promise al correo promise@irsc.edu.
¡Suscríbase para mantenerse informado sobre Promise 2026!
FORT PIERCE, Fla., (October 14, 2025) – Indian River State College (“The River”)Softball hosted a Unified Sports kickball game with Project STAGE students on Monday, October 13, at Dale Atkinson Field. This community event launched Unified Sports at Indian River State College, a Special Olympics program that brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together.
Indian River State College is the first college in the Florida College System to launch Unified Sports.
Indian River State College students and athletes celebrate together during a Unified Sports event, building camaraderie and school spirit through teamwork and connection.
Unified Sports at Indian River State College pairs Special Olympics athletes who are college students with other college students to compete on the same teams. The program encourages students to see past differences and connect through shared effort and sportsmanship. The event celebrated the campus community through friendly competition, music, food, and prizes.
“I think Unified Sports is a great program that allows our students with unique abilities to participate in a friendly competition,” said Brett Williams, Indian River State College librarian and co-sponsor of the program. “It has been wonderful seeing how the student athletes have stepped up to organize and support this event. I am hoping that the unified sports program will continue to bring students of all abilities together fostering friendship and acceptance.”
Project STAGE 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.
The kickoff event drew enthusiastic participation from both Project STAGE students and the River Softball team, creating a spirited start to what the college hopes will become a long-standing campus tradition.
Coach T.J. Jackson unveils a Division I-caliber roster and a new era of fan engagement at The River.
FORT PIERCE, Fla., (Oct. 14, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is transforming its basketball season opener into a community-wide celebration with the debut of River Madness. River Madness delivers a high-energy, family-friendly showcase — live DJ, local vendors, food trucks, giveaways, and the first look at the 2025–26 men’s basketball roster.
“I want both sides of the bleachers full,” said Head Coach Travis “T.J.” Jackson. “This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about bringing people together and making River basketball part of the fabric of Fort Pierce.”
Event Details
When: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Indian River State College Massey Campus Gym, 3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce
Admission: Free and open to the public. Food and beverages are available for purchase.
Media: Media should check in with the PIO at the gym entrance for credentials and courtside access.
After a 10-win rebuilding year, Jackson’s team returns deeper, hungrier, and more balanced. The new roster includes six freshmen who held Division I offers before choosing The River. The student-athletes were drawn to the program’s focus on development, discipline, and academics.
Indian River State College competes in Florida’s Region 8, one of the toughest junior college conferences in the nation. Families also appreciate JUCO’s affordability and proximity; elite competition with little to no student debt.
“River Madness is more than a tipoff,” Jackson said. “It’s the starting whistle for a culture that connects this campus and this city. This is your team, Fort Pierce. Let’s make it sound like home.”
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.
When Head Men’s Basketball Coach Travis “T.J.” Jackson talks about the 2025 – 2026 season, he rarely starts with stats. He starts with people: students, families, and the community that drive the success of Indian River State College Athletics. It is this same community that he encourages to fill both sides of the bleachers at the gym at the College’s main campus in Fort Pierce.
“I’ve seen on a good day, 20 people in the stands…I want to bring both sides of the bleachers out,” Coach Jackson said in an exclusive interview on IRSC Public Media’s RiverTalk.
On Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m., Indian River State College (“The River”) will debut River Madness, a high-energy, family-friendly showcase designed to do exactly that: connect the College’s storied basketball tradition with the heartbeat of Fort Pierce. Think live DJ, local vendors and food trucks, prizes and giveaways, plus your first look at a roster Coach Jackson says is “electrifying.”
Indian River State College Men’s Basketball Head Coach Travis “T.J.” Jackson.
Building a Culture, Not Just a Team
Coach Jackson’s vision is simple and ambitious: make Indian River State College basketball a gathering place. River Madness replaces the traditional Blue & Gold scrimmage with something bigger: a celebration of campus and community. The goal is more than just building hype; it’s about creating a habit. Get fans in the building and build the kind of home-court energy that lifts student-athletes all season long.
Coach Jackson is also explicit about the order of operations: academics, character, then performance. The team standard is a 3.2+ GPA and a diploma for every sophomore. Discipline and accountability aren’t slogans; they’re the scaffolding that allows talent to grow.
Why JUCO, Why Now
If you haven’t been to an Indian River State College game, or any junior college (“JUCO”) game, Coach Jackson thinks you’ll be surprised by the quality of play, especially in Florida’s Region 8. The league is stacked with Division I-caliber athletes and veteran coaches. The 2025–26 roster includes six freshmen who held Division I offers before choosing The River. The attraction? Real minutes, real development, and a culture that treats students like the adults they’re becoming.
Junior college also makes sense for families financially. “It is an opportunity where you’re debt-free, where you don’t have to take out student loans and all that crazy nonsense,” says Coach Jackson. It teaches the off-court maturity that makes the on-court performance sustainable. Coach Jackson’s pitch to parents and players is refreshingly candid: JUCO is the fast track to the four-year level when you combine playing time with academic momentum and character growth.
Coaching With Purpose
Coach Jackson’s story helps explain his drive. He learned the game in the driveway from his mother, a Hall of Famer at Alcorn State University. A devastating knee injury in college ended his playing career, but not his passion; he found coaching while mentoring youth back home in Mississippi. That lived experience shows up daily at The River, in how he develops players and how he talks about their futures.
He’s also meeting the moment on Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). The River uses a creative program called “Riverbooks,” a mock-currency system that teaches athletes how value is built through discipline, conditioning, and consistency. The message is clear: control your habits, and you can control your narrative.
The Bounce-Back
Indian River State College won just 10 games a season ago. No one is ducking that. This year’s team is deeper, hungrier, and more balanced, and it plans to restore the standards that River fans know and expect. Coach Jackson credits smart recruiting and an unshakable locker-room culture. The bar is set high, and the path runs straight through home.
Poised for a breakout season, Indian River State College basketball players reflect the grit and confidence driving The River’s renewed spirit on and off the court.
How to Be Part of It
River Madness: Friday, Oct. 17, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at Indian River State College Massey Campus Gym (3209 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce, FL 34981)
What to expect: Basketball, DJ, local vendors & food trucks, prizes, and giveaways
Bring: Family, friends, community groups, youth teams, and your voice
Coach Jackson’s door is open, literally. He invites community partners, service groups, and local leaders to reach out about collaborations and game-day experiences for their organizations.
This is your team, Fort Pierce. River Madness is the starting whistle. Let’s make the gym sound like home.
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.
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