A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of Broward College

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I want to congratulate and welcome the newest members of the Broward College Alumni & Friends Network, our Fall 2020 graduates.

On Saturday, December 19 at 1 p.m. Broward College held a virtual commencement ceremony. The graduates persevered through the pandemic to achieve their goals and celebrate this special occasion.

The ceremony featured remarks from President Gregory Adam Haile, J.D., Broward College Trustee Zachariah ‘Reggie’ Zachariah, and commencement guest speaker CEO, Chase Consumer Banking, Thasunda Brown Duckett.

The youngest graduate was 17-years-old and the oldest was 70-years-old. There were more than 5,000 graduates, including 3,913 Associate of Arts graduates, seven Associate of Applied Science graduates, 833 Associate of Science graduates, 132 Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates, and 328 Bachelor of Applied Science graduates.

Watch the virtual ceremony online.

Nancy O'Donnell-Wilson
Vice President for Advancement, Broward College
Executive Director, Broward College Foundation

UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENT

The Broward College Alumni & Friends Network continues its popular programming next month with Thriving in the New Normal.

Join us on Wednesday, February 24 at 5 p.m. when Christine Ramirez of Dale Carnegie Southeast Florida will inspire us with an interactive presentation in our series. We will delve into topics including resilience, relationships while social distancing, and how to present yourself in the virtual environment. This is one you don’t want to miss!

Register for "Thriving in the New Normal" today!

This month’s webinar – Leveraging LinkedIn – was our most popular to date with more than 240 registrants. Facilitated by LinkedIn’s Senior Partnership Manager, Kevin Connel, and Broward College’s District Director for Career Service, Fortin Jean-Pierre, participants learned about the importance of adding in-demand skills to their online profiles and much more.

If you missed “Leveraging LinkedIn” or any of our previous presentations, visit our online archives.

If you would like to suggest a topic for a future Alumni & Friends webinar, email Jill Horowitz, your Alumni Engagement Officer.

TAX INCENTIVE EXTENDED INTO 2021

Even if not itemizing on their taxes, many of our supporters will be able to deduct a portion of their contributions from last year, thanks to the CARES Act.

On December 27, the U.S. Government enacted a second stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new bill also expanded that universal charitable deduction to include those filing jointly. For the 2021 tax year, the same $300 “above-the-line” deduction still applies for individuals; however, those filing jointly will be able to deduct up to $600.

Learn more.

VILLAGE SQUARE IS GOING VIRTUAL!

Join this nervy group of liberals and conservatives who believe that dialogue and disagreement make for a good time and a good country. These events are free and open to the public, and you are invited to join in the fun!

On Wednesday, February 24 at 7 p.m., join Have we Done Enough? America’s Long Overdue Awakening to Systemic Racism. America is overwhelmingly a “white country.” Needless to say, black Americans contribute significantly to all aspects of our society. Yet, they still face this “dividing line” from the white majority.

So when those who believe in justice and fairness have had enough, how do we evolve as a country and as a community? How do we push for progress? How do we create equality for all? Do we ask ourselves, have we done enough?

Register for this virtual event online.

RAPID CREDENTIALING ASSISTANCE

Florida Power & Light provided the financial support needed to purchase 400 laptops for the rapid credentialing grant program that is designed to enroll and complete students in short-term, in-demand workforce/career and technical education credentialing and certificate programs during the Spring 2021 semester. This underscores FPL’s commitment to education and getting Floridians back to work amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Learn More about Broward College’s Rapid Credentialing program.

JANUARY’S NOTABLE ALUMNI

Broward College is proud to present these alumni as representatives of the enormous depth and breadth of careers, leadership and impact BC has to offer!

Choose a Pathway and see more Notable Alumni Spotlights online!

JANUARY’S UP AND COMING ALUMNI

Each year thouands of #BCProud graduates start their careers with the education they receive at Broward College. We are proud to present these alumni who are thriving in their fields.

Visit our spotlight pages and read about these and other alumni.

UPCOMING EVENT

The Broward College 33rd Golf Classic takes place on Monday, April 12, 2021 from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Country Club.

This year’s tournament will be played on the NEW renovated North Course. Don’t miss your opportunity to play. We will be taking safety precautions for you and your team to enjoy your day while supporting Broward College students.

For your safety:

• We will follow CDC guidelines. Temperature checks will be conducted upon arrival.
• Hand sanitizer and face masks will be provided to each player. Masks are required.
• First floor locker room and restrooms will be open and available.
• Box lunches will be provided.
• Dinner and award ceremony will take place outside in a safe environment.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and individual and foursome registration is now open.

Since its inception, the annual Golf Classic has raised more than $2.7 million to support the educational environment at Broward College, ensuring our students ultimately succeed in life and make our community a better place to live. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Empowerment Fund.

SHOP ONLINE: SUPPORT EDUCATION

AmazonSmile is a simple way to support Broward College every time you shop, at no cost to you. AmazonSmile is available at smile.amazon.com on your web browser and can be activated in the Amazon Shopping app for iOS and Android phones.

When you shop at AmazonSmile, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon, with the added benefit that AmazonSmile will donate 0.5 percent of your eligible purchases to Broward College. THIS ONLY WORKS IF YOU LOG ON TO AMAZON AT SMILE.AMAZON.COM!

ALUMNI & FRIENDS NETWORK BENEFIT

Start your new year right by saving on your automotive insurance. We've partnered with GEICO to offer alumni, friends and our employees a special discount. Visit GEICO online or call 1-800-368-2734 to find out how much you could save today!

Be sure to mention your Broward College affiliation to be eligible for the special discount.

PROVIDING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

When you include the Broward College Foundation in your financial and estate planning, you ensure your legacy of providing opportunity to students who are determined to change their lives through the pursuit of higher education. Help someone become Empowered by Broward!

For more information, email Scott Rivinius or call 954-201-7490.

MISS AN ISSUE OF YOU & THE BLUE OR A WEBINAR?

Past issues of your You & the Blue newsletter and recordings of your Alumni & Friends Network interactive webinars are available online.