News Type: Press Release

Indian River State College and America’s Cutting Edge to Host CNC Machining Industry Roundtable on 4/30/26
Regional manufacturers invited to shape the future of CNC machining workforce training on the Treasure Coast
Participants sharpen their skills at a CNC machining bootcamp hosted by Indian River State College’s School of Advanced Manufacturing, a part of the America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) program’s mission to close the manufacturing skills gap on the Treasure Coast.
FORT PIERCE, FL (March 10, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River), in partnership with IACMI – The Composites Institute’s America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) Program, will host a CNC Machining Industry Roundtable on Thursday, April 30, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at The River’s Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex, located at 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981.
The event will bring together regional manufacturers, industry leaders, and workforce development professionals for an interactive discussion focused on the current state of machining workforce needs and opportunities across the Treasure Coast and neighboring regions.
“Workforce development is at the heart of what we do at Indian River State College,” said Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore. “This roundtable is an important opportunity for manufacturers to engage directly with ACE and the College to ensure our training programs meet the real-world demands of the industry.”
Attendees will have the opportunity to:
1. Access ACE and Indian River State College’s training resources designed to strengthen machining talent pipelines and support long-term workforce development.
1. Identify critical machining workforce gaps and barriers impacting the Treasure Coast and surrounding areas and collaborate on actionable solutions.
1. Provide direct input to guide ACE and The River in aligning training programs with real industry needs, helping shape the future of machining workforce development.
“CNC machining is the backbone of modern manufacturing, and the skills gap we’re facing is real,” said Natalia Chekhovskaya, Advanced Manufacturing Executive Director at Indian River State College. “This roundtable is about bringing industry and education together to have honest conversations about what manufacturers need — and making sure our training programs deliver exactly that. We’re committed to building a workforce pipeline that keeps the Treasure Coast competitive for years to come.”
The roundtable is open to manufacturing company owners and presidents, plant managers, operations managers, production supervisors, and workforce leads. Participation is free of charge.
To register and learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4aQJ1cU, or contact Alexandria Wrobel at awrobel@irsc.edu with any questions.
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About Indian River State College (The River): Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
About America’s Cutting Edge (ACE): America’s Cutting Edge (ACE) is a workforce development program led by IACMI – The Composites Institute, designed to revitalize U.S. manufacturing competitiveness through CNC machining training. ACE partners with community colleges and industry stakeholders to develop and deliver cutting-edge training resources that address critical skills gaps in manufacturing.
March 10, 2026
HISTORY MADE AGAIN: INDIAN RIVER STATE COLLEGE SWEEPS THE 2026 NJCAA SWIMMING & DIVING NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Men Claim 52nd Consecutive Title • Women Capture 48th National Crown
The River Extends the Longest Active Championship Streak in Collegiate Sports History — and Adds Another Crown to the Women’s Historic Total
CHAMPIONSHIP TOTALS
Men’s Team:  52nd Consecutive National Championship
Women’s Team:  48th National Championship Title
FORT PIERCE, FL (March 7, 2026) — In a performance that once again left the collegiate sports world in awe, the Indian River State College (The River) Swimming and Diving program claimed its 52nd consecutive NJCAA National Championship, completing a dominant four-day run at the NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships hosted at the College’s home pool in Fort Pierce, Florida.
NJCAA National Champions: Indian River State College Men’s Swimming & Diving Team
The men’s team secured their 52nd straight national title, extending the longest active championship streak in all of collegiate athletics. The women’s squad captured their 48th national crown — a total that stands as one of the most decorated championship résumés any program has ever assembled in collegiate sports. Together, the two programs further cemented The River’s standing as the preeminent swimming and diving dynasty in the history of American collegiate athletics.
NJCAA National Champions: Indian River State College Women’s Swimming and Diving Team
“We talk every year about not taking anything for granted, and I think that mindset is what keeps this program going,” said Head Swimming Coach Sion Brinn, a River alumnus, former Olympic swimmer, and 13-Time National Champion Coach. “This group worked incredibly hard all year long. To do it at home, in front of our community, in front of friends and family – this one is very special.”
Competition ran from Wednesday, March 4 through Saturday, March 7, 2026.
The meet in Fort Pierce, Florida produced record-breaking performances on both sides. Sophomore Marcus Johnson rewrote the NJCAA record book twice over, first setting a new national record in the men’s 50-yard breaststroke, then breaking the national record in the men’s 100-yard breaststroke — not once, but twice during the competition. The men’s 400 medley relay team of Noah Smith, Marcus Johnson, Zack Gresham, and Oliver Nell shattered the national record by more than two seconds. That same foursome also equaled the existing national record in the 200-medley relay.
Indian River State College Sophomore and NJCAA Record Holder Marcus Johnson
The women’s program delivered a performance of historic dominance: The River’s women did not lose a single event across the entire championship meet — a sweep that underscored just how complete and commanding their 48th national title truly was.
“This team was something special,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College President. “Broken national records and relay teams rewriting the record books – in front of their own community, in their own pool. That’s the kind of performance you remember forever, and it doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because of an extraordinary culture of excellence that this coaching staff and these student-athletes live every single day. We are incredibly proud of this team – and proud that they have carried an extraordinary legacy forward in such spectacular fashion.”
By virtually any measure, The River’s sustained excellence stands in a class of its own. It’s believed to be among the longest — if not the longest– winning streaks in sports history.
For Brinn — himself a former walk-on athlete at the College who went on to compete at the Olympic level before returning to coach his alma mater — Saturday’s victory marked his 13th national championship as head coach and added another chapter to a legacy he continues to help write.
“When I was swimming here, we were going for 18^th and 19^th,” Brinn said. “To have now won 52 is something I’ll never quite be able to put into words. This is what we work for every single day.”
View full 2026 NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championship results.
Learn more about Indian River State College’s academics, programs, and athletics at irsc.edu.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
March 7, 2026
Indian River State College Observes Career & Technical Education Month
The River’s Programs Lead the Way in Preparing Students for High-Demand Careers
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 27, 2026) — Indian River State College joins educational institutions across Florida in celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month, advancing Florida’s mission to become the nation’s leader in workforce education.
Through innovative programs in advanced manufacturing, applied technologies, and a wide range of career and technical fields, the College continues to connect students with life-changing, high-wage career opportunities.
The state of Florida recently announced it reached #1 in workforce education in the country. According to a press release, during the 2024-25 academic year, Florida achieved record-breaking CTE enrollment, serving more than 818,000 K-12 CTE students and nearly 512,000 postsecondary CTE students, which represents a 30% increase since the 2018-19 academic year.
“Career and Technical Education opens doors to real opportunity — it provides a direct path from the classroom to a fulfilling, high-wage career,” said Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore. “At Indian River State College, we are proud to offer CTE programs that meet students where they are and prepare them for where they want to go. Whether a student is pursuing a career in healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, or the culinary arts, The River has a program designed to get them there — often in two years or less. As Florida celebrates its achievement as the nation’s #1 state in workforce education, we are honored to play a leading role in that success right here in our community.”
CTE at Indian River State College can take the form of an A.S. degree, technical certificate, vocational certificate, or apprenticeship. The College offers 116 CTE programs spanning fields such as radiography, phlebotomy, dental hygiene, advanced manufacturing, culinary, hospitality, accounting, entrepreneurship, cybersecurity, public safety, automotive technology, welding, and HVAC.
Indian River State College’s CTE programs feature:
- Industry-certified instructors with real-world experience
- State-of-the-art training facilities and equipment
- Partnerships with local employers for internships and job placement
- Flexible scheduling options including evening and online classes
- Career counseling and job placement assistance
Many programs can be completed in two years or less, with some offering certifications in as little as a few months. The College maintains strong relationships with local industry partners to ensure curriculum aligns with current workforce needs and emerging technologies.
To learn more about Indian River State College’s CTE programs, visit the college’s website at irsc.edu.
February 26, 2026
St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and Indian River State College Foundation Announce The River’s Community Impact Luncheon on 3/25/26
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 25, 2026) — The St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation), is proud to announce The River’s Community Impact Luncheon, a signature event celebrating the vital role that Indian River State College (The River) plays in shaping the economic and educational future of the Treasure Coast region.
The luncheon will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Indian River State College Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex, Massey Campus, located at 3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, Florida.
This special event will bring together community leaders, business professionals, educators, and civic stakeholders to recognize the transformative impact The River continues to have on workforce development, higher education access, and economic growth throughout St. Lucie County and the broader Treasure Coast region.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex | Massey Campus, Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Ave, Fort Pierce, FL
Tickets: Individual tickets are $45. Sponsorship opportunities range from $250 to $750.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Businesses and organizations wishing to increase their visibility and demonstrate commitment to the community are invited to take advantage of the following sponsorship tiers:
Platinum Partner — $750: 8 tickets, reserved table, full-page program ad, name featured in presentation, and premier event recognition.
Gold Partner — $500: 6 tickets, half-page program ad, reserved seating, name featured in presentation, and event recognition.
Silver Partner — $250: 2 tickets, name featured in presentation, and recognition in the event program.
Seating is limited. Attendees and sponsors are encouraged to register early to secure their place at this inspiring community gathering.
For ticket purchases, sponsorship inquiries, or additional information, please contact the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce (772-595-9999 or info@stluciechamber.org) or visit the Chamber’s website.
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About Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation): The IRSC Foundation supports the mission of Indian River State College by securing private funding to provide scholarships, workforce programs, and educational resources that expand opportunity for students and communities across the Treasure Coast.
About the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce: The St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading advocate for businesses in the region, fostering economic growth, community development, and business success throughout St. Lucie County.
February 25, 2026
The River Opens Its Doors This Spring: Free Open Houses Across the Treasure Coast
STEM · Hospitality & Culinary · Nursing & Health Sciences · Public Safety · Business & Cybersecurity · Workforce Education · Welding· Teaching
Fort Pierce, FL (February 24, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) will host specialized Open House events this spring, giving prospective students a chance to explore career programs, tour facilities, meet faculty, and learn about financial aid and enrollment. All events are free, open to the public. Registration recommended. Free parking. ADA accessible.
STEM Open House March 25, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Avenue, N-117, Fort Pierce –Engineering technology, computer science, mathematics, and natural sciences. Tour specialized labs and meet faculty in high-demand technical fields.
Hospitality & Tourism, Culinary and Restaurant Management Open House March 25, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m. | Mueller Campus, 6155 College Lane, Bldg. C – Richardson Center, Vero Beach — Culinary arts, hotel management, restaurant operations, and event planning. Tour professional kitchens and meet award-winning culinary instructors.
School of Health & Human Sciences Open House April 6, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Pruitt Campus, 500 NW California Blvd., Building G, Port St. Lucie –Registered nursing, practical nursing, dental hygiene, radiography, and more. Tour simulation labs with advanced medical training equipment.
Public Service Education Open House April 14, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, 4600 Kirby Loop Road, Fort Pierce — Law enforcement, fire science, EMS, and criminal justice. Tour fire training towers, tactical ranges, and emergency response facilities.
Business, Accounting & Cybersecurity Open House April 14, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Building Y 102, Fort Pierce — Business administration, accounting, entrepreneurship, and cybersecurity. Learn about industry certifications and IT security career pathways.
School of Education (Teacher Preparation) Open House April 14, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Building C, Fort Pierce – Join us to learn about the different pathways to becoming a teacher.
Workforce Education Open House April 16, 2026, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Massey Campus, S 31^st Street, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Building O, Fort Pierce — Skilled trades, project management, workforce training, and professional certifications. Explore flexible scheduling and industry partnership programs.
Welding Open House April 29, 2026, 6 – 8 p.m. | Massey Campus, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Building C, Fort Pierce — Whether you’re a high school student, career-changer, or welding enthusiast, this is your chance to spark a dynamic career! Connect with industry-expert instructors, explore program requirements, and discover how we can transform your career aspirations into real-world skills and opportunities.
For information about the open houses and to register, visit https://connect.irsc.edu/?category=open-house.
Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
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February 24, 2026
Indian River State College Theatre Educator Receives Highest Honor from American College Theatre Festival
Fort Pierce, FL (February 23, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) is proud to announce that Joe Wilson, assistant technical director at The River’s performing and visual arts department, has been awarded the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (ACTF) Gold Medallion.
Wilson received the award, which is the most prestigious regional honor in collegiate theatre education, at the 58th ACTF Region IV Festival, held in Montgomery, Alabama.
Joe Wilson (left) receives the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Gold Medallion from Starr Garrett, Vice-Chair of ACTF Region IV, at the 58th Region IV Festival in Montgomery, Alabama.
“Supporting the American College Theatre Festival has always been about celebrating excellence in collegiate theatre and providing students with access to tools and experiences beyond their home institutions that allow them to grow as artists,” said Wilson. “I am incredibly proud and profoundly humbled to be counted among the recipients of the Gold Medallion and will work hard to live up to its legacy.”
The Gold Medallion is awarded to individuals or organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the teaching and producing of theater, and who have demonstrated deep commitment to the development of the American College Theatre Festival. According to the Festival, the Medallion honors those who have “significantly dedicated their time, artistry and enthusiasm” to ACTF and to excellence in educational theatre — and is widely regarded as one of the great honors in the field.
Wilson, a Port St. Lucie resident, has served on the ACTF Region IV leadership team for 14 years, working behind the scenes to maintain the region’s technical infrastructure — including its website, conference registration, scheduling, and payment systems. In 2022, he received the region’s Unsung Hero Award in recognition of his pivotal role in steering the festival through the COVID-19 pandemic, during which he managed two consecutive years of fully virtual conferences — ensuring that students across the region retained access to professional development resources, scholarship competitions, and industry connections during an unprecedented disruption to campus life.
“Joe is an invaluable member of our team and an essential part of the ACTF Region IV community,” said Alex Kanter, Associate Dean of English, Philosophy & Performing Arts. “His commitment to ACTF Region IV and to our students here at Indian River State College has been extraordinary. We are incredibly proud of him, and this honor is a well-deserved acknowledgment of his lasting contributions to theatre education.”
The award was presented by Starr Garrett, Vice-Chair of ACTF Region IV.
The honor adds to a history of regional recognition for Indian River State College Performing Arts as a whole. The program has twice been selected to present productions at the ACTF Region IV Festival — a distinction earned by only four to six programs per season from the region’s participating schools. The River was selected in 2011 for Hunting Aliens by David Moberg, and again in 2024 for Labyrinth of Love by Sor Juana, in an original translation and adaptation by Alex Kanter.
The American College Theatre Festival is a national organization dedicated to celebrating excellence in collegiate theatre and supporting the development of college theatre students through professional workshops, scholarship competitions, industry networking, and the work of a nationwide network of respondents who attend and evaluate participating schools’ productions.
Indian River State College offers associate degree programs in performing and visual arts, providing students with a strong foundation in theory and hands-on learning through one-on-one lessons, ensembles, and live productions. The A.A. degree is flexible enough to let students customize their path — a theatre student might add dance courses, while a music student can focus on education or a specific instrument. Beyond the classroom, Indian River State College serves as a cultural hub for the region, hosting multiple staged productions each year and offering performance opportunities through ensembles like Chamber Winds, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Combo, all within the McAlpin Fine Arts Center’s 632-seat theatre, black box theater, galleries, and studios. Graduates go on to pursue bachelor’s degrees or launch careers with entertainment companies, cruise lines, music studios, and digital media outlets — equipped with the same principles taught at four-year universities.
February 23, 2026
Indian River State College Foundation Veterans Clay Shoot Raises $80,000 for Student-Veterans
OKEECHOBEE, Fla. (February 19, 2026) — The Indian River State College Foundation (IRSC Foundation) hosted its annual Veterans Clay Shoot on February 13, 2026, at OK Corral Gun Club in Okeechobee, Florida, raising $80,000 to support student-veterans and military families enrolled at Indian River State College (The River), the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee’s public college and one of Florida’s premier state colleges.
A participant takes aim during the IRSC Foundation Veterans Clay Shoot
The event was presented by Gilbert’s Family of Companies and drew more than 120 participants competing across 30+ teams. Funds raised will be directed to The River’s Military and Veterans Services Department to provide financial support, career assistance, and day-to-day assistance for the college’s enrolled student-veterans.
Timothy E. Moore & Bert Culbreth
Event Overview
- Date: February 13, 2026
- Location: OK Corral Gun Club, Okeechobee, Florida
- Format: Sporting clays team competition, 30 teams, 120+ participants
- Funds Raised: $80,000
- Beneficiary: Indian River State College Military and Veterans Services Department
- Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies
The event began with breakfast and opening remarks from Indian River State College President Dr. Timothy E. Moore, followed by a mandatory safety briefing before a 9:00 a.m. shotgun start. A BBQ lunch, awards ceremony, and raffle followed the competition.
Competition Results
- Top Team: Williamson Cattle
- Individual Winners: Shawn Peters and James Anderson (tie)
- Winning Veteran: Larry Gegg
“Sponsor a Veteran” Program
Through the event’s “Sponsor a Veteran” initiative, seven student-veterans participated in the clay shoot at no cost, funded by donor contributions designated specifically for veteran participation. Twenty veterans also participated.
Annabel Robertson & Frank Libutti, former U.S. Marine Corps general
Quotes from Indian River State College Leadership
Dr. Timothy E. Moore, President, Indian River State College: “Eighty thousand dollars raised in a single morning is a powerful statement — not just about what we can do for our student-veterans, but about who we are as a community. These funds mean financial support, career assistance, and the kind of day-to-day help that allows a veteran to stay in school and finish what they started. That matters more than any of us can fully measure.”
Frank Libutti, Chairman of the Board of Directors, IRSC Foundation; Retired Lieutenant General, United States Marine Corps: “I’ve led Marines in some of the most demanding conditions imaginable. What I saw today was different — civilians standing up for veterans, not because they had to, but because they chose to. That kind of community commitment is what makes the difference between a veteran who struggles after service and one who thrives. Our student-veterans deserve exactly this.”
Annabel Robertson, JD, CFRE, Vice President, IRSC Foundation: “A college degree changes the trajectory of a life. For a veteran who has already given so much, it is our duty to help support the bridge between service and a civilian career. This event helps us make sure that bridge is there when they need it. At Indian River State College, we stand shoulder to shoulder with those who have stood for our nation.”
Bert Culbreth, Sponsor & Vice Chair, IRSC Foundation: “Supporting the men and women who have served our country is something we take seriously. This event brings our community together around a shared commitment to making sure veterans have every opportunity to succeed after service, and we’re proud to play a part in that.”
Event Sponsors
- Presenting Sponsor: Gilbert’s Family of Companies
- Supporting Sponsors: Airstron Mechanical; Brighton Ammunition; Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC; Crary Buchanan, PA; Dr. Timothy Moore; Everglades Equipment Group; Gilbert Experience, LLC; GlobalTech, Inc.; IKONIC Munitions; InjuredVeterans.com (Gordon & Partners); Jared Queen; Kimley-Horn; Level Four Financial; Nylacarb Corp.; Pace Machine & Tool, Inc.; Paul Jacquin & Sons, Inc., Seacoast Bank; SouthState Bank; Spiezle Architectural Group; Team Parks, Inc.; UES – Universal Engineering Sciences; Venergy Group / AutoBuilders; Verdex Construction; and Walpole, Inc.
For more information or to support Indian River State College student-veterans:
- Website: https://giving.irsc.edu/
- Contact: John Ramfjord, IRSC Foundation Sr. Development Director, 772-462-4786
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About Indian River State College (The River): Indian River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
About the IRSC Foundation: The Indian River State College Foundation provides educational opportunities through scholarships and program support. As the funding partner of Indian River State College, the Foundation works to ensure that quality education remains within reach for all students.
February 23, 2026
Indian River State College Swimming & Diving Teams Attempting to Win 52nd and 48th NJCAA Titles
NJCAA Swimming & Diving Championships to take place at Indian River State College on March 4-7, 2026.
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 19, 2026) —The men’s team has won 51 consecutive swimming and diving championships, and the women’s team has won 47 national swimming and diving championships, representing the longest championship streaks in collegiate sports history. The dominance of the Indian River State College Swimming and Diving Team is comparable to the legacies of the Boston Celtics, New York Yankees, and the UCLA Bruins.
This March, Indian River State College (The River) will again host the NJCAA Swimming National Championships, bringing the nation’s top junior college swimmers and divers to the Treasure Coast for four days of competition from Wednesday, March 4, through Saturday, March 7. The event marks a continuation of a decades-long tradition, with The River hosting the championships every other year for more than 24 years.
“Hosting the nationals is a pretty nice little tradition, because we have managed to do it every other year for well over 24 years,” said Sion Brinn, Head Swimming Coach at Indian River State College and former Olympic competitor. “It’s a good home competition. It’s nice for the kids to stay in their own environment, and we get probably a little bit more friends, family, spectators that come down to cheer for them.”
Brinn’s journey with Indian River State College exemplifies the program’s legacy. A former walk-on athlete at The River, he went on to compete at the Olympic level before returning home to coach. Now in his 13th year as head coach, he is preparing the team for their 52nd consecutive national championship attempt.
“At the time, as a student-athlete, you didn’t really realize the legacy you’ve already been a part of, because we were only going for 18th and 19th in my two years that were here,” Brinn reflected. “And to see that we’re going for number 52, 30-something years later is pretty impressive, but also pretty cool to be a part of the program for 13 years as a coach and two years as an athlete.”
Championship Schedule and Community Celebration
The championships will feature preliminary competition beginning at 9:30 a.m. each day, with finals starting at 5:30 p.m. A short diving session will follow preliminaries, lasting about an hour between 11:00 a.m. and noon.
Student-Athlete Success Beyond the Pool
Indian River State College’s athletic department has maintained a strong emphasis on academic achievement alongside athletic excellence. This past fall, the athletics department achieved record-breaking academic performance with a 3.4 overall GPA. Three teams, including the women’s swimming and diving team, finished with a 3.51 GPA or higher.
“When I first got here, our GPAs ranged in the 2.7, 2.8 range,” said Stephanie Skidmore, Assistant Director of Athletics at The River. “And now about 15 years later, we’re up in the 3.5 range. So, I think setting the expectations and just kids want to perform. They’re athletes. They’re competitors. That’s what they want here. So, we just set the right expectations.”
The swimming and diving team trains nine times per week, with morning and afternoon practice sessions, as they prepare for the national championships.
“We have a strong team, but I take nothing for chance,” Brinn said. “So, we’re just trying to make sure we get the most of what we can get out of every athlete in every event that they’re potentially training to swim in.”
Historic Legacy and Community Impact
The River’s swimming and diving program holds a distinction that extends beyond the NJCAA level. According to Skidmore, the team’s championship streak represents the longest in all of collegiate athletics, not just junior college competition.
“Our swim team, it’s not just in the NJCAA that we hold this record,” she said. “I believe it’s all records if I am correct, where nobody has won this many. So, it’s fun to get people involved and to see the hard work that these kids are doing and these coaches are doing.”
The athletic department also emphasizes community service, with student-athletes participating in events such as Night to Shine, volunteering with the Humane Society and Treasure Coast Food Bank, and supporting Special Olympics swim meets.
“For the community, it’s a chance to see what we’ve built over the years and come and support what hopefully will be a continuation of traditions that have been coming in the past and continue for years to come,” Brinn said.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
February 19, 2026
Indian River State College to Host River Fest on 3/7
FORT PIERCE, FL (February 19, 2026) — Indian River State College (The River) will host River Fest on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., at its main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida. The free event is open to the public. 
The community festival celebrates the energy and excellence of The River. There will be live entertainment, DJs, food and drink trucks, games, and inflatables. The day’s events will conclude with an 8:30 p.m. fireworks display. 
River Fest coincides with the 2026 NJCAA Swimming and Diving National Championships which start on campus Wednesday, March 4 and run through Saturday, concluding with the crowning of a national champion.
The River’s men’s program goes for its 52^nd consecutive national title, and the women chase their 44^th straight title.
Event Details: 
What: Indian River State College River Fest 
When: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. 
Where: Indian River State College, 3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34981 
Cost: Free and open to the public 
February 19, 2026

Discover Your Healthcare Future! Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences to Host Open House on 4/6/26 

Smiling nursing student in white cardigan and blue scrubs holding yellow sign reading 'Future #RiverNurse' at open house event with colorful banner decorations spelling 'WALK' and 'YOU ARE AWESOME' with heart symbols in background — *Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences to host Open House for prospective students.*

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL (February 16, 2026) — Indian River State College School of Health and Human Sciences will host a free open house on April 6, 2026, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the College’s Port St. Lucie campus, 500 NW California Boulevard. 

The event provides prospective students with comprehensive information about health and nursing education opportunities and career paths in the growing healthcare field. Attendees will tour a state-of-the-art simulation center, laboratories, and classroom facilities while meeting faculty and learning about curriculum offerings. 

 Comprehensive student support services will be showcased, including academic advising, financial aid counseling, scholarship information, and tutoring resources. Faculty members will be available to discuss specific program details and careers 

The open house welcomes prospective students who are interested in exploring healthcare options, career changes, and high school students considering college programs. No prior registration fee is required. 

The School of Health and Human Sciences offers a broad range of health-related programs:

Associate Degree in Nursing (RN)	Bachelor Degree in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Central Service Technology	Dental Hygiene
Healthcare Navigator Specialist	Healthcare Informatics Specialists
Health Services Management (AS Degree)	BS in Healthcare Management
Medical Assisting	Medical Coder/Biller
Medical Laboratory Technology	Nursing Assistant
Pharmacy Technician	Phlebotomy
Physical Therapist Assistant	Practical Nursing
Radiography	Respiratory Care
Surgical Services Technology

Event Details: 

Date: Monday, April 6, 2026 

Time: 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. 

Location: Indian River State College, 500 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986 

Cost: Free admission   

Registration: Online at https://connect.irsc.edu/event/1062758 

Information: Phone 772-336-6330 or email IRSCSONprograminfo@irsc.edu 

February 16, 2026