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. (September 22, 2025) — All month long, Indian River State College has been opening more than classroom doors. Through a series of career-focused events, including the ongoing Career Closet initiative, the College is helping students step confidently into the workforce ahead of the Career Expo on October 1.
This month, Career Services will host mobile Career Closets, resume reviews with local employers, and a Career Fashion Show where students modeled donated outfits. These events build momentum toward the October 1 Career Expo, where more than 50 employers will recruit for full-time, part-time and internship positions.
Career-ready: A student selects donated professional clothing at the Career Closet, where free attire helps students dress for success.
The Career Closet, located at multiple campuses, provides students with free professional clothing for interviews, career fairs and workplace opportunities. Supported by alumni and community donations, the Closet ensures students are not held back by the cost of attire.
“Professional dress is very important in the process of going to work. A student may love a company but hesitate to even approach them if they don’t have the right attire,” said Dr. Calvin Williams, associate vice president of advising and career services at Indian River State College.
With most Indian River State College graduates remaining in the Treasure Coast region, the Career Closet and Career Expo directly support the local workforce. “Over 75 percent of our graduates stay in the four-county area,” Dr. Williams said. “The economic boost they give our community, based on the knowledge they gained here, is tremendous.”
Pruitt Campus, Port St. Lucie — Room J-111, hours vary (772-336-6221 or 772-336-6213)
Mueller Campus, Vero Beach — Schumann Center, Building D, regular hours (772-226-2500)
The Career Closet accepts donations of clean, professional attire such as suits, blazers, dress pants, skirts, dresses, shoes and ties.
“Alumni and employers are donating clothing because they know it makes a difference. It’s neighbors helping neighbors, and students lifting each other up,” Williams added.
For more information about Career Services, the Career Closet or the October 1 Career Expo, visit irsc.edu and search “Career Services,” email careerservices@irsc.edu, or call (772) 462-7470.
Corrections Academy Class #178 graduates celebrate their completion of the rigorous 420-hour Basic Recruit Training Program, marking the beginning of their careers as correctional officers in state and federal facilities.
FORT PIERCE, Fla., (Sept. 19, 2025) – Indian River State College’s Criminal Justice Institute successfully graduated two distinguished classes from its Public Service Academy: Law Enforcement Academy Class #181 and Corrections Academy Class #178. These ceremonies celebrated the completion of intensive training programs that prepared graduates for critical roles in Florida’s criminal justice system.
Corrections Academy Class #178 Graduation
Corrections Academy Class #178 celebrated its achievement on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, at Indian River State College. The ceremony recognized graduates who completed one of the most comprehensive corrections training programs in the state.
Each graduate successfully completed the Basic Recruit Training Program (Corrections), which included over 420 hours of classroom instruction and hands-on practical exercises. This comprehensive training provided them with the skills needed to effectively work with inmates while exercising professionalism. Their lessons on how to effectively communicate, interact with, and respond to a range of populations will help ensure their safety and the safety of others.
The curriculum included inmate supervision and custody procedures, use of force protocols and legal standards, defensive tactics and officer safety, communication and de-escalation skills, emergency response procedures, report writing and documentation, ethics and professional standards, legal standards governing corrections, facility security protocols, and contraband detection and searches.
“I am incredibly proud of the individuals who graduated, as they demonstrated the discipline, responsibility, and professionalism required to serve in one of the most demanding roles in the criminal justice system,” noted Indian River State College President Timothy E. Moore. “This represented a critical step in building a strong and capable corrections workforce that will serve our communities with dedication and integrity.”
Corrections Academy Class #178 graduates are Elizabeth Alvarez, Quinn Bostic, Frankz Davila, Travis Garrison, Alicia Hilario, Indiony Jean-Baptiste, Vanessa Johnson, Hannah Newsome, Marc Rediker, Alani Rodriguez, Sherlyn Salgado, Monique Samuels, Vincent Saputo, Isabella Saucedo, Matthew Sellers, Jacob Smith, Joseline Uribe-Godinez, and Dominic Witherow.
Corrections Academy graduates are now qualified for positions including correctional officers in state and federal facilities, juvenile detention officers, probation and parole officers (with additional certification), court security officers, transportation officers, private corrections facility staff, and rehabilitation program coordinators.
Law Enforcement Academy Class #181 Graduation
Law Enforcement Academy Class #181 graduated Sept. 3, 2025. The ceremony was attended by friends, family, community leaders, and media who gathered to honor these new guardians of public safety.
Law Enforcement Academy Class #181 graduates celebrate their completion of the rigorous 770-hour Florida Basic Recruit Training Program, marking the beginning of their careers in law enforcement and public service.
Graduates successfully completed a demanding 770-hour Florida Basic Recruit Training Program that encompassed comprehensive instruction across multiple critical areas: criminal law and legal procedures, firearms training and marksmanship, defensive tactics and officer safety, emergency vehicle operations, de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution, community policing strategies, mental health awareness and crisis intervention, cultural competency training, report writing and documentation, and physical fitness and conditioning.
LE 181 Graduates are Jax Boris, Matthew Chandool, Cheyenne Dechert, Daniel Deluck, Zachary Dominguez, Julien Eason, Kenya Fils-Aime, Rosemary Gil, Trevor Goodrich, Evan Goforth, Joshua Hengstler, Evan Kicker, Austin Miller, Christyan Murray, Rodolfo Nazco, Aaliyah Rodriguez, Bryan Romero Gonzales, Brendan Sposato, and Leonardo Vargas.
Graduates are now qualified to pursue careers as municipal police officers, county sheriff’s deputies, state law enforcement officers, federal law enforcement agents (with additional training), campus security officers, private security supervisors, and loss prevention specialists.
“This program was both mentally and physically demanding, and our graduates showed extraordinary commitment, discipline, and resilience throughout this process,” said Indian River State College Public Service Academy Dean Lou Caprino. “We were proud to welcome them as guardians of public safety who are prepared to serve with integrity and professionalism.”
September 17, 2025 | Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society at Indian River State College (“The River”), will host a haunted house fundraiser for ages 16 and up on October 24 – 25, and October 31 – November 1, from 6 – 11 p.m. The spine-chilling event will take place at the College’s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, located at 4600 Kirby Loop Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981. Brave visitors will navigate through terrifying rooms and creepy hallways where walls might unexpectedly open, while zombies roam the cemetery grounds.
Alpha Phi Sigma’s haunted house promises a scary good time.
Event Details:
Date: October 24 – 25, and October 31 – November 1, 2025
Time: 6 – 11 p.m.
Location: Indian River State College‘s Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex, 4600 Kirby Loop Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34981
Admission: $10 general public, faculty, and staff; $5 for Indian River State College students with ID or proof of college registration
Special Notes: Costumes welcome; no full-face masks permitted for safety
Age Requirement: 16 and over (not recommended for children under 16)
All proceeds from the haunted house will support the Alpha Phi Sigma scholarship fund, providing financial assistance to criminal justice students entering the baccalaureate program.
The community is invited to attend this fundraiser that combines Halloween thrills with support for local students pursuing careers in criminal justice.
Prospective students can explore programs, meet faculty, and discover career pathways at open houses throughout the academic year
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Sept. 12, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is welcoming prospective students across the Treasure Coast to a series of open house events during the 2025–26 academic year. From nursing to business, public service to science and education, these events showcase the wide horizon of opportunities available at The River year-round.
Upcoming open house events:
Sep. 16, 2025 – Nursing (Pruitt Campus)
Oct. 2, 2025 – Business and Workforce
Oct. 7, 2025 – Public Service
Oct. 8, 2025 – Math, Science, and Education
Feb. 9, 2026 – Health Science
March 2026 – Math, Science, and Education
April 9, 2026 – Nursing
April 14, 2026 – Public Service
April 16, 2026 – Business and Workforce
Prospective students who attend will gain a firsthand look at how Indian River State College programs connect directly to in-demand careers across the Treasure Coast. They will leave with a stronger sense of the skills they will learn, the professions those skills lead to, and how The River provides an affordable and effective route to their goals.
Those who attend an open house see how Indian River State College students benefit from hands-on experience in state-of-the-art labs, direct connections to industry leaders, and opportunities to apply classroom learning in real-world settings. These experiences ensure graduates leave with the confidence, skills, and professional network needed to succeed immediately in their chosen careers.
For details on open house events, visit https://connect.irsc.edu/?category=open-house. For more information about how Indian River State College can help students take the next step toward their future, visit www.irsc.edu for locations and program offerings.
Sept. 11, 2025 | In solemn remembrance of the lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, more than 100 participants at Indian River State College honored fallen heroes through the college’s annual 9/11 Tower Run at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex.
Participants climb the seven-story fire tower during the 2025 9/11 Tower Run, honoring the firefighters of Sept. 11, 2001
To symbolize the firefighters’ climb of the World Trade Center towers, participants climbed the Indian River State College Fire Academy fire tower, a seven-story building, 16 times — the equivalent of one World Trade Center tower ascent. This year, 106 individuals climbed the fire tower, including Criminal Justice faculty, alumni, students, the full Criminal Justice and Fire Academy tracks, two Marine recruiters, and representatives from the Massey Campus.
Several students pushed beyond the challenge to reflect the endurance of first responders. Six Criminal Justice students completed 32 fire tower runs, representing a firefighter’s climb up and down one World Trade Center tower — while two others ran 36 rounds to help teammates finish their journeys.
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.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (September 9, 2025) — Indian River State College (“The River”) is excited to announce the launch of its comprehensive Robotics Program designed for young learners ages 10-14. The program, at the College’s Eastman Advanced Workforce Training Complex, offers students hands-on experience building and programming robots using industry-standard VEX IQ kits, providing an engaging introduction to STEM education.
Young engineers get hands-on experience building and programming robots at The River’s Youth Robotics Program and Camps
Located at 3209 Virginia Avenue in Fort Pierce, the program features three skill levels to accommodate students at different stages of their robotics journey:
Program Structure:
Beginner ($250) – Our beginner sessions are the perfect introduction to robotics. Students will learn the basics of building and programming robots while exploring how mechanical and coding systems work together. No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and creativity! Two sessions available: October 4, 5, 11 & 12, and October 18, 19, 25 & 26
Intermediate ($150) – Our intermediate sessions are designed for students who already have a foundation in robotics. Students will take their skills to the next level with more complex robot builds, advanced programming concepts, and problem-solving challenges that encourage teamwork and creativity. Two sessions available: November 8 & 9, and November 22 & 23
Advanced ($150) – Our advanced session is for students ready to take their robotics skills to the highest level. In this session, students will tackle complex engineering builds, explore advanced coding strategies, and work through real-world style robotics challenges that strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and innovation. Session on December 6 & 7
Classes run Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., allowing students to learn at their own pace while exploring fundamental STEM concepts in an interactive, fun environment.
The VEX IQ platform is specifically designed for younger students, featuring snap-together pieces that make robot construction accessible while still teaching real engineering principles. Students will learn to program their robots to complete various challenges and tasks, fostering both creativity and logical thinking.
WHAT: Fall 2025 Financial Literacy Seminar – A free, two-day virtual educational program designed to help students and community members make informed financial decisions
WHEN:
Tuesday, October 15, 2025, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 16, 2025, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Virtual event via Zoom (registration required)
WHO: Open to the public
DETAILS: The Indian River State College Center for Financial Literacy will present its fall seminar series, featuring faculty and community professionals addressing key financial topics affecting community residents. Topics include:
Day 1: Savings, Credit Basics and Financial Independence
Importance of Saving
Using AI for Personal Savings
Understanding Credit and Its Importance
Journey to Financial Independence
Day 2: Insurance, Debt Management, and Financial Independence
BACKGROUND: Established in 2018, the Center for Financial Literacy has served over 1,900 students and community members through nine educational seminars, supporting Indian River State College’s mission to develop workforce skills and student success.
CONTACT: Maria Salome Davis:Phone: (772) 226-2557 | Email: medavis@irsc.edu
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2025) — Indian River State College School of Nursing will host a free open house on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the College’s Port St. Lucie campus, 500 NW California Boulevard.
The event provides prospective students with comprehensive information about 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.
The event features presentations on various nursing specializations, admission requirements, and the application process. 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 career outcomes.
The open house welcomes prospective nursing students, current Indian River State College students exploring healthcare options, career changers, and high school students considering college programs. No prior registration fee is required.
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2025
Time: 5 – 7 p.m.
Location: Indian River State College, 500 NW California Blvd., Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
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 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (Sept. 4, 2025) –Indian River State College School of Nursing has expanded its groundbreaking partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals to include HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital and HCA Florida Lawnwood Hospital to create Dedicated Education Hospitals (DEH), a transformative collaboration on the Treasure Coast. This expansion strengthens Indian River State College’s partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare hospitals, providing enhanced student training, a stronger nursing workforce, and better care for the community.
The DEH model transforms hospital units into structured learning environments where students and professional nurses work side by side. Unlike traditional clinical rotations, the program integrates nursing students directly into hospital care teams, pairing them with nurse preceptors and faculty mentors for real-time, hands-on training.
“Our students are integrated into real-world hospital environments, where they learn directly from experienced nurses,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, Indian River State College president. “This robust collaborative partnership ensures students receive invaluable training while helping to cultivate a highly skilled workforce that benefits our local community.”
Dr. Patricia Gagliano of Indian River State College (left) with HCA Florida Healthcare leaders at the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership at St. Lucie Hospital.
“This is more than a clinical site, it’s a living classroom where patient care and nursing education are seamlessly integrated,” said Dr. Patricia Gagliano, Dean of Nursing at Indian River State College. “Our students gain the confidence and judgment needed for practice, while hospitals strengthen their workforce, and our community benefits from higher quality of care.”
The partnership expansion will provide Indian River State College nursing students with additional resources, closer mentorship, and a curriculum aligned with hospital practice.
Benefits include:
For students: stronger clinical competence, faster professional role transition, and improved NCLEX readiness.
For hospitals: a robust workforce pipeline, higher nurse retention, and innovation in care delivery.
For the Treasure Coast: safer, higher-quality care and a stronger local healthcare system.
Indian River State College nursing students gather with HCA Florida Healthcare nurses and preceptors to celebrate the launch of the Dedicated Education Hospital partnership.
“It’s a tremendous benefit for our patients and colleagues. These student nurses understand our mission — above all else, we’re committed to the care and improvement of human life — and they will find it interwoven through this program. Shared values and better communication only elevate our teams and the care they provide,” said Tracee Hendershott, Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital.
The initiative was established with a DEH at HCA Florida Raulerson Hospital last year. A joint event welcoming Indian River State College students, faculty, and leaders alongside administrators, nurse managers, and preceptors from HCA Healthcare’s East Florida Division was held to launch the partnership expansion.
To learn more about the Indian River State College School of Nursing, visit irsc.edu/program/nursing/ or call (772) 462-7550.
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About Indian River State College: Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 23,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
About HCA Florida Healthcare: HCA Florida Healthcare, a part of HCA Healthcare, is a family of more than 650 affiliated sites of care, including hospitals, physician practices, freestanding emergency rooms and urgent care centers. As one of the state’s leading healthcare networks, HCA Florida Healthcare’s 11,100 experienced doctors and more than 84,000 colleagues work together to deliver equitable, evidence-based collaborative care through more than 12 million patient encounters annually. HCA Florida Healthcare is committed to improving more lives in more ways and giving back to the communities it serves. In 2024, the network provided more than $1 billion in uncompensated care and contributed more than $3.7 million to community organizations across the state. In addition, HCA Florida Healthcare offers patients access to highly trained specialists, including the state’s most comprehensive cardiovascular network. A strong advocate for the next generation of healthcare professionals, HCA Florida Healthcare is a leader in training future healthcare professionals, offering 151 Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs at 27 different hospitals with more than 2,400 residents. For more information, please visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
FORT PIERCE, Fla. (August 21, 2025) — Indian River State College announces the appointment of two accomplished leaders. Dr. Mia Tignor assumes the position of Associate Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, and Alessandra Thompson takes on the role of Associate Vice President for Human Resources.
Timothy E. Moore, Ph.D., Indian River State College President, said, “The appointments of Dr. Mia Tignor and Alessandra Thompson represent our commitment to building a stronger foundation that will enhance faculty support, organizational excellence, and ultimately student success as we continue serving the Treasure Coast region.”
Dr. Tignor is a proven higher education leader who has served The River for 12 years in various roles: tenured faculty, department chair, and Dean of Learning Resources. As Associate Vice Provost, Dr. Tignor will expand faculty support beyond the classroom, particularly in the integration of digital tools. She will continue to oversee the Learning Resources division, which includes the College’s libraries, tutoring centers, and online learning departments, and lead the transformation of the Institute of Academic Excellence, ensuring faculty are equipped to deliver innovative, workforce-aligned curriculum.
Dr. Mia Tignor
“I am excited to expand the River’s professional development opportunities and help our faculty explore and integrate digital tools into their teaching that will enhance student learning outcomes,” said Dr. Tignor. “Having served Indian River State College in various capacities over the years, I understand our faculty’s needs and am committed to providing them with the resources, professional development opportunities, and support needed for continued excellence.”
Thompson brings more than 20 years of human resources leadership in global corporations. She recently served as Vice President of Human Resources at Spirax Sarco Group, a FTSE 100 company with 10,000 employees across 50 countries, and previously as Director of Human Resources at Carrier Corporation, a Fortune 500 firm with over 50,000 employees. Her expertise includes ERP conversions, Title IX, collective bargaining, talent development, and organizational change management.
Alessandra Thompson
“I’m thrilled to join The River and contribute the insights gained from my corporate background,” said Thompson. “My focus will be on supporting our faculty and employees and strengthening the organizational foundation needed to advance the College’s mission in our community.”
Indian River State College, serving Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee counties, offers high-quality, affordable education to 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides over 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, technical certificates, and applied technology diplomas. To learn more, visit irsc.edu.
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