Annual Report - St. Johns River State College

FOUNDATION ANNUAL REPORT
2014-2015
TA BL E O F CO N T EN T S
Foundation Board of Directors.....................................3
Foundation Chairman’s Message.................................4
College President’s Message........................................4
Message from the Foundation Office...........................5
Assets at Work..............................................................5
Foundation Friends ......................................................6
Our Scholarships....................................................... 7-8
Foundation Donors................................................. 9-10
Viking Athletic Donors................................................11
College Achievements
and Initiatives....................................................... 13-17
Did You Know?............................................................18
The St. Johns River State College Foundation
2014-2015 BOA R D O F D I R ECTO R S
Ron Brown, Chairman
Melissa C. Miller, Vice Chairman
Caroline D. Tingle, Secretary-Treasurer
Denise Bramlitt
Daniel Byrnes
Wendell D. Davis
Dr. Rebecca Faunce
Terrill L. Hill
Dr. Joe H. Maltby
Daniel A. Martinez
Dr. Robert L. McLendon, Jr.
Joyce Oliver
Joe H. Pickens, J.D.
John Roberts
Stephen Russey
Ken Smallwood
Dr. Mark Spatola
John Raymond Theobold
Emeritus Board of Directors
Dr. Gary B. Lott
Carl C. Beck
SJR STAT E F O UN DAT I O N S TA F F
Caroline D. Tingle, Vice President for Development and External Affairs
Peggy Blair-Hall, Administrative Assistant
3
FOUNDATION CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
The St. Johns River State College Foundation seeks and
secures financial support for the College and its students by raising friends and funds and successfully managing resources and relationships.
WHO WE ARE
The St. Johns River State College Foundation is a charitable organization that exists to support the growth and
development of SJR State in various ways which are beneficial to its students, faculty, staff and campus facilities.
We fulfill this mission by actively encouraging private gifts
from individuals, alumni, businesses, associations and service organizations.
Chartered in 1970 by the State of Florida as a nonprofit,
direct support 501(C)3 organization, the SJR State Foundation is governed and guided by an independent board
of directors composed of professional, business and civic
leaders who have a vital interest in higher education within Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties.
WHAT WE DO
To fulfill our mission statement and meet our goals, we
perform three activities: receiving, managing, and disbursing funds. We:
• Receive funds through our volunteer-driven annual
fundraising campaigns, special fundraising events, and
through thoughtfully planned bequests and deferred
gifts.
• Manage funds through a conservative cash
management and investment program. Equally as
important, we provide careful stewardship of funds and
other assets entrusted to us through annual audited
financial reports and communication with donors.
• Disburse funds through a thoughtful planning process
involving leaders of the Foundation and the College.
The SJR State College Foundation is organized to receive,
invest, manage, and disburse donor gifts in the most effective manner possible.
I serve on the St. Johns River State
College Foundation Board of Directors
because I personally understand the
difference SJR State can make in a student’s life. My own experiences as a
student and graduate of SJR State not
only laid the foundation for my educational journey but also provided the
confidence necessary to accomplish my
educational goals. Now, as a Foundation Board member, I want to share my
experiences, and my story, with others.
Our College community gratefully appreciates the support we
have received from so many of you over the years. Your belief in
our programs and in our students has fostered in them a wonderful and meaningful level of achievement. In this report, you will
see the ways in which our College has grown and how you can
contribute to its continued progress.
On behalf of the SJR State College Foundation, thank you so much
for your belief in our College. With the continued support of dedicated people like you, we, together, will continue our endeavor to
empower individuals, families, our community and our economy
through education.
Kindest regards,
Ron Brown
Chairman, St. Johns River State College Foundation
COLLEGE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The St. Johns River State College Foundation has been the College’s partner
since it was incorporated in 1970. Then
and now, the Foundation helps the College to advance as an exceptional gateway to education.
This annual report highlights the progress we make each year and how your
contributions directly benefit the students at SJR State. I want to thank all of
you who have made our successes possible. The College values
its community partners who include our cities, local businesses,
faculty and staff, alumni, current students, and all those who generously give. It is a privilege to be able to put your generosity to
work here at SJR State College.
I invite you to continue to support our institution as we grow and
serve the residents of Clay, Putnam and St. Johns counties. Let’s
celebrate our past accomplishments while looking at our future
with confidence and determination to ensure that every student
has access to the quality education he or she deserves.
Sincerely,
Joe H. Pickens, J.D.
President
4
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDATION OFFICE
It has been a great year for the St. Johns River State College Foundation. The Foundation awarded over $303,000
in scholarships to over 300 SJR State students, provided approximately $117,000 in special program and project
funds to the College, and managed over $4.9 million in assets.
All of these achievements are made possible by the generosity of donors like you. The gift of your time and
financial donations have changed the lives of so many. It takes only a little from all of us to make a difference,
and what a difference you have made.
All donations, small and large, are appreciated, and I am always happy to discuss ways to help enhance the
programs of interest to you and the students who are our future.
SJR State’s doors are open wide for students who seek to pursue their dreams through education. Your support
is an investment in the SJR State Foundation which generates the resources needed to change these students’
lives.
Sincerely,
Caroline Tingle
Vice President for Development and External Affairs
ASSETS AT WORK
Schedule of Revenues and Expenses with Changes in Net Position by account type for the year ending March 31, 2015
5
Foundation Friends
A & C Companies, LLC
Academic Dermatology Consultants PA
Ace Mentor Program of Northeast Florida,
Inc.
Advanced Disposal
Alison Hickman
American Fund
American Red Cross
Anheuser Busch Company
Annette Jones
Army Emergency Relief
Arun Venkatesansa
Ascension Health Ministry
Ashlar Lodge No. 98 F. & A.M.
Association of Florida Colleges
Azalea City Cruisers, Inc.
Bartram Trail High School
Beck Chevrolet Buick GMC
Beck Chrysler Dodge-Jeep Dodge Trucks
Beck Auto Sales Inc.
Beta Sigma Phi
Bill Herrington
Billie Monroe
Bostwick Community Association, Inc.
Bramlitt’s, Inc.
Brenda Atkins
Brian Morrill
Cade Bramlitt Benefit Account
Cancer Center of Putnam County
Capital City Trust Company
Carmen Cummings
Caroline Bowser
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
Casey Hanraham
Caton & Taylor P.A
Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs
CenterState Bank
Charles Douglas
Chick-fil-A, Inc.
Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
Chris Scaglione
Clay County Chamber Foundation
Clay County Education Foundation, Inc.
Clay County Golf Classic, Inc.
Clay County Port Inc.
Clay High School
Community First Credit Union
Community Foundation of North Florida
Crescent City Jr/Sr High School
Dana Summers
Daniel Martinez
David Lowe
Donald Hartman
Donald Welsh
Donald White, Jr.
Dr. Rebecca Faunce
Dr. John Green
Dr. Rosalind Humerick
Dr. Anand Kuruvilla
Dr. Joe Maltby
Dr. Robert McLendon, Jr.
Dr. Glen Moore
Dr. Mark Spatola
Ed Hudson
Ed Lowe
Elizabeth Gibson †
Elizabeth Hyers
Employee Benefit Plan Administration
Ernest Taylor
First Coast Black Nurses Association
First Coast Workforce Development
Florida College System Activities
Association
Florida Youth Challenge Academy
FSU Foundation, Inc.
Gail Arrowsmith
Gamma Delta Chapter Alpha Delta Kappa
Gary Lott Revocable Trust, Phyllis P. Lott
Trustee
Georgia Pacific/Palatka Operations
Gertrude E. Skelly Charitable Foundation
Glendora Mays
Hanora Larson
Haven Hospice
Horesh Tiwari
Howard Ramsey
Insley Arrants
International Scholarship and Tuition
Services, Inc.
Ithaca Labrec
J A G A Charitable Trust
Jacqueline Wilkinson
James Payne
James Stalnaker
Jamie Shreeves
Janice Lemasters
Joe Pickens
John P. Hall, Sr. Children’s Charity
John Theobold
Jorge Herrera
Joyce Oliver
Judy Walz
Julia Alexander
Kindred Hospital NFL
Kiwanis Club of Palatka Foundation Inc.
KML Foundation Inc
Lakeport Community Association
Laura Golembuski
Linda Baker
Linder Industrial Machinery Company
MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing
Excellence
Magnolia Point Women’s Club
Mahendra Tiwari
Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education
and Research
Members Association of Glenmoor, Inc
Michael Weeks
Middleburg High School
Moore Haven High School Scholarship
Organization, Inc.
Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, Inc.
NALC Branch 3129
Nashan Tiwari
National Guard Youth Foundation
New York Life Foundation
Nicole Cooper
Nigel Bisnath
Norma Dunn
Oneida Tribe of Indians of Wisconsin
Opportunity Development, Inc.
Orange Park High School
Orange Park Medical Center Auxiliary
Orange Park Woman’s Club
Palatka FFA Alumni
Patricia Malone
PGA Tour Inc
Phoenix Republican Club
Pilot Club of St. Augustine
Ponte Vedra Beach Rotary Foundation, Inc.
Putnam Community Medical Center
Quota International of St. Augustine
Republic National Distributing Company
Rex Holloway †
Richard Morris
River Point Behavioral Health
Robert Zant
Ross Toelken
Rotary Club of Crescent City
Rotary Club of Fleming Island, Inc.
Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs, Florida
Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise
Charities, Inc.
Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunset
Rotary Club of Palatka
Rotary Club of Palatka Sunrise
Rotary of OP Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Russell Megonegal
Ruth Benjamin
Scheidel Foundation
Scholarship America
Scholarship Recognition Inc.
Scott Tingle
Sebring Optimist Club VOC Scholarship
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Sentry Termite and Pest Control, Inc.
Sheriff of Clay County, Florida
SMART Scholarship Funding Corp
St. Augustine High School
St. Augustine Lions Club
St. Johns Country Day School
St. Monica Catholic Church
Stephen Russey
Steve Carr
TD Charitable Foundation
The Black Creek Bowl Association
The Blood Alliance
The Community Foundation for Northeast
Florida
The Community Foundation, Inc.
The Garden Club of St. Augustine, Inc.
The Kiwanis Club of the Azalea City
The Kreul Classic
The Ponte Vedra Women’s Club
The Thomas M. Fabek Family Charitable
Gift Fund
Thomas Hunter
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation
Tommy Dobbs
Trinity Enterprises LLC
U.S. Family Foundation, Inc.
United Way of Northeast Florida
Village Improvement Association
Vystar Credit Union
W.R.T.W., Inc.
Waterstone
Wendell Davis
Woman’s Club of St. Augustine, Inc.
Woman’s Exchange
Women Working in the Community for God Ministry, Inc.
† Deceased
6
Our Scholarships
Association of Information Technology
Professionals Scholarship at SJR State
Alice Elkins Dental Scholarship
Alyn E. Pope Scholarship
American Legion Auxiliary Unit #293
Scholarship
American Legion of Orlando Auxiliary
Scholarship
Anastasia Baptist Church Scholarship
Anastasia Chapter of American Business
Women Association Scholarship
Arts Council of Greater Palatka
Scholarship
Baptist Medical Center at the Beaches
Auxiliary Scholarship
Bass Capital Bass “N” Babes Scholarship
Beck Automotive Group Scholarship
Ben Ebener Memorial Scholarship
Beta Sigma Phi Scholarship
Blue Crab Festival Committee Scholarship
Bob Hudson Endowed Scholarship
Bobby Stevens Scholarship
Bostwick Community Association
Scholarship
Carrie Ramsey Memorial Scholarship
Children of Fallen Warriors Scholarship
Clay County Chamber of Commerce
Scholarship
Clay County Education Foundation
Scholarship
Clay County Golf Classic Scholarship
Clay County Women for Education
Scholarship
Clayton, Frank & Biggs Funeral Home LLC
Scholarship
C. L. Overturf, Jr. Endowed Scholarship
Collier-Blocker Scholarship
Colonel & Mrs. Clarence E. Jordan Family
Endowed Scholarship
Community Newspaper, Inc. Scholarship
Congressman John and Patricia Mica
Scholarship
Connie Morris Memorial Scholarship
Council for Exceptional Children
Scholarship
Covenant Church Scholarship
Crescent City High School Scholarship
7
Crescent City Woman’s Club Scholarship
Crystal River Little League Scholarship
Cypress Village Resident’s Council
Employees’ Scholarship Fund
Dairy Queen of Palatka, Inc. Scholarship
Dale Wilson Scholarship
Dan & Katie Martinez Endowed
Scholarship
Deputy Josh Blyler Memorial Scholarship
Denny Writing Awards Scholarship
Detective Dave White Law Enforcement
Scholarship
Dixie Boys Baseball Scholarship
Dr. Charles E. Barrineau Scholarship
Dr. Gary B. Lott Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Gary B. Lott Scholarship, Rotary Club
of Palatka
Dr. Glen W. Moore Scholarship
Dr. & Mrs. Gilbert Lee Evans, Jr. & The
House of God Church Scholarship
Dream Makers - Bank of America
Foundation Scholarship
Emily Tanner & Florida Furniture
Industries Scholarship
Ethics in Business Scholarship
Eva Mae Kelley Endowed Scholarship
FAIA Good Works Scholarship
Fine Arts Society of Sarasota Scholarship
First Coast Pilot Club of St. Augustine
Scholarship
First Generation in College Matching
Grant Scholarship
Florida Baptist Foundation Scholarship
Florida Blue & Putnam Community
Medical Center Scholarship for Nursing
and Allied Health
Florida Creates 2000 Scholarship
Florida Delta Theta Clay County Chapter
Scholarship
Florida School of the Arts Alumni
Scholarship
FV Oliver Edge for Educational
Excellence, Inc. Scholarship
Gamma Delta Chapter Scholarship
Georgia Pacific/Palatka Operations
Employee Scholarship
Gertrude E. Skelly Grant
Gisela L. Ferrell Memorial Scholarship,
Magnolia Point Woman’s Club
Haven Hospice of North Central Florida
Scholarship
Health Information Management
Student Scholarship Support
Helios Education Foundation Scholarship
Herbert and Miyuki Scheidel Scholarship
Hitchcock & Sons Scholarship
Horesh Tiwari SAC SGA Scholarship
Irving & Pauline Weinstein Valedictorian
Award
Irwin & Elizabeth Zekaria Endowed
Scholarship
JAGA Charitable Trust Scholarship
Joe and Linda Pickens Florida Community
College Scholarship
John Tindall Scholarship
JP Hall Children’s Charity Scholarship
JRWA/SNAP Grant
Judson E. Wilhelm/Dale S. Wilson
Scholarship
Junior Service League of St. Augustine
Scholarship
Kiwanis Club of St. Augustine Scholarship
Kiwanis Club of the Azalea City
Scholarship
Kiwanis Club of the Lake Region
Scholarship
Knights of Columbus Scholarship
Life Care Ponte Vedra, Inc. Scholarship
Lillie M. Avrett Scholarship
Lions Club of Interlachen Scholarship
Living Faith Church Scholarship
Mayo Clinic Scholarship
Melrose Woman’s Club Scholarship
Members Association of Glenmoor, Inc.
Scholarship
Middleburg High School Scholarship
Musical Theatre Ensemble Scholarship
NARFE Chapter 1190 Scholarship
National League of American Pen
Women Scholarship
Norma Jo Dunn & Family – Jan Dunn
Keller Memorial Scholarship
Northrop Grumman Scholarship
Olivia Lay Endowed Scholarship
OPC Rotaract Scholarship
Orange Park Lions Club - J. Glenn Allred
Scholarship
Orange Park Medical Center Auxiliary
Scholarship
Orange Park Sunrise Rotary Club
Scholarship
Orange Park Woman’s Club Scholarship
Outreach of America, Inc. Scholarship
Palatka Art League’s Lora Sinks Britt
Scholarship
Palatka Kiwanis Club Scholarship
Pat Connor Technical Theater Scholarship
Pearl Harris Scholarship, Woman’s Club
of Welaka
Penney Memorial Church Scholarship
Philip A. Sargent Memorial Scholarship
Pilot Club of Palatka Scholarship
Pilot Club of St. Augustine Scholarship
Putnam County Gator Club Scholarship
Putnam County Medical Society
Scholarship
Putnam County Scholarship Endowment
Putnam Regional Science Fair Scholarship
Rayonier Foundation Scholarship
Regions Morgan Keegan Geoffrey J.
Roscoe Trust
Robert L. McLendon, Jr. Scholarship
Robert Moody Memorial Scholarship
Roger & Gail Arrowsmith Performing Arts
Educational Fund
Rotary Club of Crescent City Scholarship
Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs
Scholarship
Rotary Club of Orange Park Scholarship
Rotary Club of Palatka Scholarship
Rotary Club of Palatka Sunrise
Scholarship
SAC Speech Club Scholarship
Saint Johns River Blues Festival
Scholarship
Sam Walton Community Scholarship Program
Seminole Electric Achievement
Scholarship
Sertoma Club of St. Augustine Scholarship
SJR State Adult Education Scholarship
SJR State Allied Health Department
Scholarship
SJR State Business Office Scholarship
SJR State Chapter of Deaf Awareness Club
Scholarship
SJR State College Book Scholarship
SJR State Orange Park Campus Phi Theta
Kappa Scholarship
SJR State Palatka Campus Phi Theta Kappa
Scholarship
SJR State St. Augustine Campus Phi Theta
Kappa Scholarship
Sons of Italy Scholarship
Southside Woman’s Club Scholarship
Southwest Florida Community Foundation
Scholarship
St. Augustine High School Scholarship
St. Augustine Ketterlinus High School Alumni
Association Scholarship
St. Augustine Rotary Club Scholarship
St. Johns County 4-H Association Scholarship
St. Johns County Education Foundation
Scholarship
St. Johns River Chapter of Florida Institute of
CPAs Accounting Scholarship
St. Johns Technical High School Scholarship
Take Stock in Children, St. Johns County
Scholarship
Talmadge-Noyes Scholarship
The Garden Club of St. Augustine Scholarship
The McCurry Foundation Scholarship
The Players Championship Scholarship
The Republican Party of Putnam County
Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach
Scholarship
The Strickland Foundation Scholarship
Tim & Sharon Morris Architectural Scholarship
W.L. Brewer, Ford Parts and Service Club
Scholarship
Winn Dixie Scholarship
Woman’s Club of Palatka Scholarship
Woman’s Club of Keystone Heights Scholarship
Woman’s Exchange of St. Augustine Scholarship
Women of the Moose of Crescent City
Scholarship
W.W. Bunky Roberts Scholarship
YMCA, Bob and Jerry Ann Dye Scholarship Fund
Foundation Donors
PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE
EMPLOYEE GIVING
Jonathan Blair
Richard Anderson
Susan Kessler
Cast and Crew
Dr. Melanie Brown
Dr. Patrick Arnwine
Harry Lane
Aundria Bryant
Danny Byrnes
Bonnie Aspinwall
Tammy Lane
Deborah Duvall
Neal Chancey
Beverly Barker
Dr. Mary Anne Laney
Donna D. Dvorak
Wendell Davis
Merrianne Bieler
Dr. Anna Lebesch
Ellen Hare
Norma Dunn
Jonathan Blair
Susanne Lineberger
Melody Hargraves
Dr. & Mrs. Gilbert Lee Evans,
Peggy Blair-Hall
Phil Lyons
Kornelia Hicks
Jr. & The House of God
Jackie Bodiford
Kara McKinley
Tyler Hudson
Church
Dr. LauraBoilini
Dr. Gregory McLeod
Doug Ledbetter
Drs. Errol & Andrea Findlater
Mark Breidenstein
Cassie McQuaig
Sally Leitzman
Elizabeth Gibson †
Dr. Melanie Brown
Karen Meyer
William McCarthy
Jack C. Hall
William Cintron
Melissa Miller
Jae Millwood
Mike Hawkins
Thyra Combs
Sherry Mills
Bob Olson
Danny Hemphill
Mary Connor
Sally Myers
Lucinda Peppard
Dr. Rosalind Humerick
Carmen Cummings
Melissa O’Connell
Carolann Potts
Annette Jones
Dominique Davila
Joe Pickens
Nick Potts
Mike Keller
Meghan Deputy
Dr. Lynn Powers
Ruth Swartz
Dr. Anand Kuruvilla
Anne Eller
Ed Reed
Donald White Jr.
Dr. Mary Anne Laney
Shirley Eubanks
Dr. Traci Reed
Catherine Wright
Susanne Lineberger
Dr. Gilbert Evans
Paula Reeger
Anna Zirbel
Mrs. Gary B. Lott
Renee Fiore
Tom Reynolds
Phil Lyons
Brittnee Fisher
Glen Roberts
Friends
Dr. Joe Maltby
Bruce Fox
Sharon Silcox
Lutisha Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Daniel Martinez
Susan Geoghagan
Jerry Skelton
Richard Allsopp
Dr. & Mrs. Robert L.
Karen Gresham
Dr. Kandie Smith
Paul Armstrong
McLendon
Jack Hall
Marsha Smith
Dorothy Barlow
E. Russell Megonegal
Linda Hall
Amy Stanley
Suzanne Barth
Melissa Miller
Paula Harris
Ginger Stokes
Barbara Betker
Joyce A. Oliver
Buster Harvey
David Stout
Alice Brown
Della H. Pickens
Mike Hawkins
Susan Sutliff
Sara Cartledge
Joe Pickens
Alain Hentschel
Caroline Tingle
Mary Cook
Dr. Lynn M. Powers
Dr. Rosalind Humerick
Stephen Tomasovitch
Michael DiVona
Jim & Marilyn Reid
Buffy Hurtubise
Dr. Kim Van Vliet
Kathy Easterling
Mrs. W. W. (Bunky) Roberts
Heather Jones
Juanita Walker
Elizabeth Eveson
Stephen Russey
Ross Jones
Donald White Jr.
Ronald Feltner
Dr. Mark Spatola
Dr. Edward Jordan
Dr. Christina Will
Ellen Gall
Mr. & Mrs. John Theobold
Michael Keller
Catherine Wright
Kathie M Graham
Caroline & Scott Tingle
Briana Kelley
Ingrid Wright
Deanna Graham
Juanita Walker
Kenya Kelley
Dixie Yeager
Albert Graybrook
THCA MEMBERS
Vickie Griffis
Toby Riley
Robert Evans
Paul Hale
Glenna Roberson
Barbara Fallon
Shelly Hamilton
David Ruttan
Laurena Fisher
Director
JoyceAnne Stevens
Kimberly Hanson
Lorraine Scruby
Annabelle Hamachek
Martha Aguayo
Victor G. Thorp
Norma Hawkinson
Terri Smith
Heidi Hansen
Elise Anderson
Caroline Tingle
Karen Herbelin
James Smith
Eddy Harris
Pam Calloway
Jim Wais
Ellen Hill
Carol A. Smith
Theodore High
Chris Chambless
Denton Yockey
Dan Hooper
Troy Stewart
Marion B. Hilliard
Toni Charneco
William Zuberbuhler
Constance Horton
Carolyn Stoner
Deena King
Cynthia Csalovszki
Lea Harwell
James Wall
Martin Luke
Mary DeWitt
Supporter
Jacqueline Ingram
David Wartenbe
Robert Martin Jr.
Peter Dutton
Terri Amato
Virginia Jones
Ethel White
Rebecca J. McDonald
Jan Goff
Fred Edwards
Willard Kennedy
Deborah Wilkins
Jay Moore
Jonathan Haas
Edward Ellison
Gerald Keyes
Hattie & Ronny Willis
Jeannine Morgan
Virginia Hash
Solon Ellmaker
Carol J Klein
Judith Wilson
Peggy Myers
Joan Healey
Kathryn M. Felten
Barbara Pinto
Gayward Hendry
Michael Keller
Nancy Labry
Chester Witczak
Gregg Rutter
Carol Serna
Myra Long
Star
Gordon Reynolds
Frank Houle
James C. Kwaak
Jim Louden
Mary Anthony
Maureen Schuenemann
Luanne Kemper
Robert Mikesell
Richard Mathews
Jim Arp
Bob Schuman
Joseph Lauricella
Michael Vanover
Margaret T McLean
George Bessent
Jenifer Snow
Don Medara
Stephen Miles
Candace Bridgewater
Helen Stephens
Imogene Moore
Producer
Mary Louise Millson
William Byrns
Charles Stock
Neil Nelson
Wendell Davis
Lilli Moniot
Susan Carcaba
Virginia Swartz
Jacque Pass
Murren Hill
Thomas O’Brien
Paul Daniel
Letha M. Taylor
Larry Powell
Philip Lyons, Jr.
Christie Peppard
Cornelia Davies
Helen Walker
Jim & Susie Roy
Dr. Robert L. McLendon
Lucille L. Pitts
Margie Davis
William Walker
Van Royal
Russell Pratt
Michael Riggs
Walter Eckles
Patricia Williams
Stephen Russey
† Deceased
Viking Athletic Donors
Adriana Lopez Reynolds
Alice Farrell
Anand M. Kuruvilla M.D., P.A.
Anna-Marie Owens Wicker
Annette Jones
Annette Lowe
Armstrong Contracting Services, Inc.
Artic Air, Inc.
Baker’s Sporting Goods
Beef O’ Brady’s
Byrnes Farm, Inc.
Capital City Bank
Carol Speyerer
Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC
Christine Weeks
Christopher Durden
Colleen Straw
Cremer Wood Procurement, Inc.
Crescent City Jr. - Sr. High School
CRG Architects/Palatka, Inc.
David Lowe
Debbie Swaffer
Do-All Pest Control, Inc.
Dr. Traci Reed
Ed Reed
Edith Aldrich Insurance Agency, Inc.
Edith Whitaker
Elizabeth Whiting
E-TechServices.Com, Inc.
Factory Direct Bedding LLC
First Coast Community Credit Union
Florida Pest Control
Florida Power & Light Company
Frances Dowell
Futch Landscaping, Inc.
G. H. Graff
George Burson
Georgia-Pacific Financial Management
LLC
Ginger Stokes
Hammer Brothers Construction LLC
Heather Miller-Carr
Hicks Dental
Hollis Tinsley
Irene Durden
James Vaught
Jason Davis
Jennifer Buskerud
John Garrett
John Harris
Johnny Blue Craig
Johnson-Overturf Funeral Homes, Inc.
Jon Aron Livingston
Jonathan Wood
Jordan McElroy
Joshua McEwen
Joyce Agosto
Joyce Oliver
Juanita Walker
Judith Dellinger
Judy Corry
Juli Hicks
Karaline Bass
Kayann Berg
Ken Henley, Agent, State Farm Insurance
Company
Kenneth Downs
Kenya Kelley
Kiwanis Club of the Azalea City
Leah Dowell
Libby Morgan
Louis Agosto
Louise Bass
Marc Blasser
Margaret Toelken
Marie Shaver
Mathews Industrial Park, L.C.
Mathews Moving & Storage
Maxine Keen
McKinnon Furniture Inc.
Medex Medical Express of Palatka, LLC
Megan Lundgreen
Michael Mazzurco
N E Florida Investigative Services
Nancy Stalnaker
Obenour Development Services, LLC
P & F Mini Storage
Palatka Daily News, Inc.
Palatka Heating & Air, Inc.
Peninsular Auto Parts
Penny Cooper
Putnam Community Medical Center
Putnam County Board of County
Commissioners
Putnam Feed & Farm Supply Inc.
R & J Power Equipment, Inc.
Rebecca Faunce, DMD PA
Richard Morris
Riverside Builders of Putnam County,
Inc.
Robert Stevens †
Rodney Holton
Russell Allebaugh Jr.
Ryan Manufacturing, Inc.
Samuel Browning IV
Seminole Electric Cooperative, Inc.
Sharon McGuire
Sherry Mills
Silvia Walewski-Morrill
St. Johns Auto Body, Inc.
St. Johns Super Service Center Inc.
Stacey Smith
Susan G. Helwig Insurance Agency, Inc.
Susan Sutliff
Terry Kalbaugh
The Optical Shop
Toni Torres
Vicki Conforti
Vystar Credit Union
Walmart
Waste Pro
Watts Commercial Flooring Inc. dba Palatka Flooring
Wendell Davis
William Owens
William Turnbull
† Deceased
College Achievements and Initiatives
SJR STATE BECOMES A PEARSON VUE TESTING SITE
St. Johns River State College has expanded its testing services to
offer students and the general public access to more than 100 key
industry certification exams – from IT certifications such as Cisco,
CompTIA, Oracle, Microsoft, Apple IT and VMware, to food safety
and business management licensure exams.
SJR State now hosts exams for computer-based testing leader Pearson VUE on its Palatka campus each week. Candidates are required
to register online through Pearson VUE (www.pearsonvue.com) to
schedule each exam prior to arriving on campus.
“We’re very excited to become a testing site for Pearson VUE,” said
Todd Dixon, SJR State’s director of testing and student support services. “The testing system gives us unparalleled control and flexibility over our ability to manage our testing our way, and test results
are quickly transmitted back, ensuring the candidate’s certification
status is promptly updated.”
According to Dixon, industry certifications not only provide professionals with the credentials necessary for career advancement,
they also can add credibility to an applicant’s resume, giving them
a competitive edge in today’s workforce.
According to the corporation’s website, Pearson VUE is the global
leader in electronic testing for regulatory and certification boards,
providing a full suite of services from test development to test delivery and data management. Pearson VUE offers exams through
the world’s largest network of test centers in 162 countries, providing testing services for information technology, academic, government and professional clients.
SJR STATE BSN PROGRAM RECEIVES NATIONAL ACCREDITATION
St. Johns River State College’s four-year nursing program has recently earned accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.
Anna Lebesch, Ed.D., SJR State’s vice president for workforce development, said that while the bachelor’s degree in nursing program
has been approved by the Florida Board of Nursing since its launch
in 2014, the national accreditation is a substantial milestone for the
BSN program. “This status is recognition of the quality and integrity of
our nursing program as well as the commitment and dedication of the
faculty, staff and administration at SJR State,” Lebesch said. “Accreditation promotes professional and educational mobility of our graduates and assists employers in seeking graduates who are competent.”
According to Mary Anne Laney, Ph.D., SJR State’s dean of nursing
and allied health, earning national accreditation is an extensive process which included an onsite visit by the accrediting commission.
The process fostered ongoing self-examination, re-evaluation and a
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focus on the future.
“National accreditation is a voluntary peer review process intended
to enhance quality improvement in nursing education,” Laney said.
“It’s very gratifying that SJR State’s baccalaureate nursing program
meets the national standards established by the ACEN.”
Excelling is not a new practice for SJR State and its students, said
Laney, as the two-year nursing program (ASN) earned its national
accreditation in 2013. SJR State’s ASN graduates also tend to excel
on their licensure exams. During the last five years, SJR State nursing
graduates have surpassed the state and national passing rates on
the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the state-required exam that determines whether graduates are prepared for
entry-level nursing practice.
SJR State’s BSN program is designed for ASN graduates who hold a
current, valid unencumbered Florida Registered Nursing (RN) license.
SJR STATE RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM ACHIEVES NATIONAL DISTINCTION
SJR State President Joe Pickens, J.D., said he is extremely proud that
the College’s vision for academic excellence and student success has
positioned the respiratory care program to receive the esteemed
recognition for two consecutive years.
“While our commitment to provide an exceptional respiratory care
program is evident among our students and health care industry
partners, this national recognition is a much-deserved honor for
our dedicated faculty members who go above and beyond their role
as educators,” Pickens said. “It’s also an indication of the caliber of
students who graduate from our program each year and propel the
profession forward.”
Dr. Anna Lebesch, SJR State’s vice president for workforce development, said the award is presented as part of the CoARC’s continued efforts to value the RRT credential as a standard of professional
achievement.
For a second year in a row, St. Johns River State College’s respiratory
care program has been honored with the Distinguished RRT Credentialing Success Award. SJR State is one of only 62 colleges and universities nationwide to be honored with the award - an achievement
that places the College’s program in the nation’s top 13%.
“From a program effectiveness perspective, the CoARC views the credential as a measure of a program’s success in inspiring its graduates
to achieve their highest educational and professional aspirations,”
she said. “This status validates our hard work and ability to think
outside the box, apply new learning strategies in the classroom, and
communicate and collaborate effectively as a team.”
The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC)
awarded the College after measuring the program’s success using
several rigorous criteria. The CoARC Board selects colleges by using key accreditation metrics the programs must meet or exceed,
including passing rates for the two national certification exams and
job placement.
“Special recognition goes to our associate dean and to the clinical
education director,” Lebesch continued. “Holly Coulliette, associate
dean of allied health and program director of respiratory care, and
Debra Maugeri, director of clinical education, were both instrumental in our attaining this award. It is because of their commitment to
our students that we were able to achieve this success.”
SJR STATE RADIOLOGY GRADUATES EARN 100% PASSING RATE
St. Johns River State College radiologic technology graduates recently excelled on their credentialing exam. Students who completed the
program in May 2015 achieved a 100% passing rate on the American
Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. According to a report from the ARRT in 2014, the national passing average is 89%. The ARRT certification exam is the state-required exam
that determines whether graduates are prepared for entry-level ra-
diologic technician practice.
“We are proud of our outstanding graduates, dedicated faculty and
the clinical affiliates who work in collaboration to prepare the next
generation of radiologic technicians to serve our local workforce,”
said Associate Dean of Allied Health Holly Coulliette.
NOT JUST A KID’S TOY SJR STATE HOSTS LEGO ROBOTICS COMPETITION FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
St. Johns River State College recently hosted the FIRST LEGO League
qualifying tournament. The tournament gives Clay County middle
school students the opportunity to show off their talent in programming robots and demonstrate core values in leadership, teamwork
and professionalism. SJR State has partnered with the Clay County
School District and the FIRST LEGO League for the past three years to
facilitate the program by providing space in the Thrasher-Horne Conference Center for the tournament. SJR State professors also volunteered their time and knowledge to judge the competition and give
advice to aspiring robotics programmers and engineers. This year,
SJR State professors Brian Holbert, JR Adams, Stanton Greenawalt
NOT JUST A KID’S TOY (CONTINUED)
and Norval Bell oversaw the teams. Students showed the professors
their robots as well as the computer programming that went behind
engineering it. Holbert, the coordinator for SJR State’s involvement
within the event, emphasized the importance of SJR State participating in competitions like these.
“Technology is one of the largest areas in the workforce,” Holbert
said. “We’re looking at our next generation of students. It’s good to
interact with them and support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education. It lets the kids know, should they
enroll at SJR State, that we’re interested in what they’re interested in.”
SJR STATE STUDENT EXCELS IN NETWORKING COMPETITION
St. Johns River State College student James Debruhl made an impressive debut in the Cisco NetRiders competition. The competition, which began its first round in April, featured students throughout the United States and Canada vying in an online networking
challenge. Debruhl was the only student from Florida to advance to
the third and final round of the competition, where he placed 14th
in North America and was recognized as a NetRiders Top Achiever.
Created by the Cisco Networking Academy, the NetRiders competition gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their IT and
networking knowledge through simulation activities in which they
build, configure and troubleshoot virtual networks.
Competing alongside Debruhl in the first and second rounds were
fellow SJR State IT students Martin Gagnon, Bradley Jewell, Christopher Jordan and Brian Newman.
Out of the 30+ eligible colleges and technical centers throughout
Florida, SJR State was the only college in the state that advanced to
the third round of the competition.
Debruhl described the competition as a learning experience. “The
NetRiders competition was a challenging test of the knowledge and
skills I’ve learned and honed over the past four Cisco networking
classes,” he said. “The difficulty of the competition continually motivated me to push myself and perfect my knowledge of each different facet being tested.” Debruhl also finished the competition
with a sense of pride regarding his education at SJR State. “I am so
grateful for the opportunity provided by my instructors, as well as
SJR State and the Cisco Networking Academy, for facilitating my ed-
GAMES THAT CONQUER MATH FEARS
ARE A “LOGICAL” MOVE
SJR State introduced a new math course this fall designed to
help students overcome their math anxiety. After identifying how many basic math skills are more disciplined, cognitive
thinking-based, SJR State professors Stephen Dennis and Sherry
Colarusso helped to present the course “Games for Analytical
Reasoning.”
The course offers the right balance of games, puzzles and activities to stimulate analytical reasoning and critical thinking without triggering anxiety.
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ucation,” he said. “I am very appreciative of all the support, and I’m
happy to have brought our College to the final round.”
Debruhl has completed all four Cisco courses at SJR State and
has earned several industry certifications, including CompTIA A+,
Network + and the Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician
(CCENT). He will continue his drive for mastering the intricacies of
information technology by working on his Linux and CCNA industry
certification this summer.
PHS GRADUATE RECEIVES SCHOLARSHIP IN HONOR OF LATE EDUCATOR
Palatka High School graduate Morgan Motes was awarded the Connie J. Morris Memorial Scholarship to attend St. Johns River State
College, where he will study visual arts and literature before ultimately pursuing a career in education. The scholarship was established by Morris’s family in honor of her career and dedication to
teaching Putnam County students for more than 38 years before
succumbing to cancer in 2013.
The $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to one PHS graduate
who plans to study education.
The SJR State Foundation offers numerous scholarships, funded by
the contributions of businesses, non-profit entities, and individuals, to
students who meet the criteria established by the scholarship donors.
SJR STATE HELPS FIFTH GRADERS INFUSE ART WITH HISTORY
Fifth graders at Palencia Elementary School can now share a few
new facts pertaining to the history of St. Augustine, thanks to an
art project collaborated with St. Johns River State College and the
Ancient City Mosaic project.
During the assignment, Boilini shared various facts about St. Augustine and the lighthouse with the students. By the end of class, students knew the year the lighthouse was constructed (1874), its height
(165 feet) and how far the lighthouse lens can project (17 miles).
SJR State Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Laura Boilini and students
Naomi Alexander and Katie Grubbs volunteered to assist students
in Jamie Wardley’s art class with painting nearly 100 canvases portraying the St. Augustine Lighthouse.
Boilini, an artist and former elementary school teacher, said it was
the perfect opportunity to bring the College, the school and the students together to learn about the country’s oldest city, express their
artistic sides and celebrate the 450th anniversary. “It’s the educator
in me,” she said.
As part of the 450th Anniversary Ancient City Mosaic project (spearheaded by Red Sable), Ancient City’s goal was to ultimately collect
450+ canvases to display in a mosaic-like format. The display was
part of the signature exhibition “Tapestry: The Cultural Threads of
First America,” which was on display from April 4 to Oct. 4 at the
Visitor Information Center.
“I have walked up the lighthouse in St. Augustine and viewed the
landscape from this windy vantage point and have tried in my mind
to think about what those first settlers thought and what the lighthouse came to be as St. Augustine’s prominence developed and
more and more people came to these shores,” Boilini said.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CLASS WADES INTO BIOINDICATORS, RESEARCH
Environmental Science field trips allow students to learn about our
namesake, the St. Johns River.
It was a surprisingly humid November day when Dr. Longin
Kaczmarsky took his environmental science students to Riverdale
Park on the banks of the St. Johns River in St. Augustine. With three
large trays, jars, tweezers, measuring instruments and rain boots,
Dr. Kaczmarsky and some of his students make their way onto the
pier, while others waded into the water with large dip nets.
The goal of this field trip was to collect over 100 specimens of the river’s aquatic macro invertebrates which are bioindicators of the health
of the water. In addition, measurements of the water’s pH, temperature, salinity, and nutrient content were taken in order to gather data
about the water quality of the river and its watershed. This hands-on
endeavor involved students getting their hands and feet dirty in order
to collect important data for their final lab reports and for continued
knowledge about the ecosystem of the St. Johns River.
The students in Dr. Kaczmarsky’s class were dedicated to their work,
not even letting the presence of a camera interfere with their collection and data recording. Their focus reflects the importance Dr.
Kaczmarsky puts on these trips as well as the subject of environmental science.
“It is important to teach environmental science at SJR State because
throughout the world, including North Florida, much of the environment is being degraded by human activities,” said Kaczmarsky.
“In addition, there is a growing awareness among America’s youth
that something needs to be done to stop this degradation. This increasing awareness and need has made the popularity and interest
in studying environmental science a growing trend at colleges and
universities around the world.”
Dr. Kaczmarsky has taken his class on previous field trips to the river,
and they have also investigated the water quality of campus ponds.
His goal is to allow students to gather their own data to test their
hypotheses and make their own conclusions for their final lab report. As the students sorted through the scuds, shrimp, water scorpions and other invertebrates they’d collected, the class worked
as a team to share information. They reconvened, making sure to
correct any mistakes and ensuring everyone had accurate data from
the day’s trip. While they worked as a team, individually, the students themselves were driven to come to an understanding of the
environmental science field.
VIKINGS CELEBRATE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH WEEK WITH LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS
St. Johns River State College student-athletes and President Joe Pickens, J.D., were special guests this week at the George C. Miller Intermediate School in Crescent City and the McRae Elementary School in Keystone Heights. The College participated in the National School Lunch
Week program, serving students a new, tasty and healthier lunch.
The event, titled “Get in the Game with School Lunch,” promoted
the importance of eating healthy and becoming physically active.
SJR State student-athletes also signed autographs during lunch.
The trip to the President’s hometown of Crescent City was especially heartwarming for Pickens. He and his father, former SJR State
Board Chairman Bob Pickens, both attended the school while growing up in Crescent City.
SJR STATE PARTNERS IN REGIONAL
“EARN UP” INITIATIVE TO INCREASE COLLEGE GRADUATION RATES
St. Johns River State College took part in the recent launch of Earn
Up, a higher education initiative designed to improve college graduation rates and ultimately increase the Northeast Florida region’s
skilled workforce.
Supported by Northeast Florida education and business leaders and
led by the Jax Chamber and JaxUSA, the initiative promotes “higher
earning through higher learning.” The program is based on research
that deems a community’s economic success is determined by the
number of degree-holding and/or industry-certified people who live
there.
According to the Chamber, Florida has one of the largest middle-skill
job projection figures in the nation, yet statistics show that Northeast Florida is not prepared to answer industry needs and ranks 72
among the 100 metro areas nationwide that has a skilled workforce.
According to a press release from the JAX Chamber, statistics show
that only 36% of the region’s population possesses a 2 or 4-year degree, making college completion rates both an education and economic development issue.
Earn Up is the result of six months of teamwork between the region’s
colleges and universities, K-12 school districts, local governments,
business communities and nonprofit organizations. Collaborators
agree that the graduation rate needs to nearly double, increasing
the number of adults completing their skills training to 60% by 2025.
SJR State President Joe Pickens said that higher education institutions need to take on a more proactive approach in recruiting students, as well as in removing various barriers to success. “It is incumbent upon college leadership to be more proactive in broadening
the efforts in enrolling students who fit the three key populations
- high school students, at-risk adult learners and Veterans,” Pickens
said. “Equally important in improving enrollment and completion
rates is expanding upon student success opportunities through outreach, tutoring and mentoring programs that help keep students focused and on track.”
“I commend JAXUSA and the regional education partners for spearheading a program that recognizes how education and economic
development are inextricably linked,” Pickens continued.
SJR State’s Vice President for Workforce Development Anna Lebesch
said the economic self-sufficiency of our students and community
is dependent upon a skilled workforce, and while many individuals
who are currently entering the workforce are doing so with limited
skill sets, they also hold much potential in that they represent all levels of education that can be obtained. “With this initiative, particular emphasis will be placed on increasing post-secondary credentials
to include not only degrees, but certificates and industry certifications,” Lebesch said.
“A key component of this program includes mentoring and coaching
support for students. This model is also being used in specialized
workforce programs and plans are being made to expand to other
student groups,” Lebesch said.
Did you know?
St. Johns River State College was established in 1958
to serve students in Clay, Putnam, and St. Johns
counties.
SJR State served 191 students in its first year of
operation. The College now serves more than 10,000
students.
SJR State continues to serve its comprehensive
educational role by expanding its services and
programs while continuing to focus on the Associate
in Arts degree as well as more than 30 Associate in
Science degrees and certificates.
The College recently expanded its services to include
baccalaureate degrees, now offering four-year
programs in Organizational Management, Early
Childhood Education and Nursing.
In an effort to provide a healthier and safer college
environment for students and employees, SJR State
became a smoke and tobacco-free college this year.
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PALATKA CAMPUS
5001 St. Johns Avenue
Palatka, FL 32177
ORANGE PARK CAMPUS
283 College Drive
Orange Park, FL 32065
ST. AUGUSTINE CAMPUS
2990 College Drive
St. Augustine, FL 32084
SJR STATE COLLEGE NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
St. Johns River State College does not discriminate against any person in its programs, activities, policies or procedures on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, marital status, religion, age, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, or veteran
status. All questions or inquiries regarding compliance with laws relating to non-discrimination and all complaints regarding sexual misconduct or
discrimination, may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator/Equity Officer, St. Johns River State College, 5001 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, Florida,
32177; 386-312-4070.