A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of Broward College

BROWARD COLLEGE DOES IT AGAIN!

Broward College is a Finalist with Distinction for the 2021 Aspen Prize—the second-highest ranking awarded by the prestigious Aspen Institute. This is the second time the College has earned recognition as a Finalist with Distinction – the first was in 2017 – and the fourth time the College has been named a Top Ten institution. Awarded every two years since 2011, the Aspen Prize recognizes outstanding institutions selected from more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide.

Watch a recording of the Aspen Prize announcement, featuring our First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden.

CONGRATULATIONS!

On Saturday, May 8, we celebrated the newest members of the Broward College Alumni & Friends Network through a virtual graduation ceremony. Dr. Germaine Smith-Baugh, President and CEO of the Urban League of Broward County, was the welcoming speaker.

Watch a recording of the ceremony.

THANK YOU!

We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of PPE over the past year from those in our community committed to stepping up to the ongoing challenge of fighting COVID-19. These donations of KN95 masks, gloves, face shields, gowns, and cloth masks have been crucial as we bring more and more students back to campus and keep students, employees, and our local community as safe as possible.

Top Left: Donations of masks and shields from Valley Forge Fabrics. Top Right: “Fresh Start” Distribution Event sponsored by Valley Forge Fabrics. Bottom Left: Cloth masks donation by American Textile and Apparel. Bottom Right: Gowns donated by Infinity Medical Supply.

These items are used in different capacities ranging from students working in hospitals, clinicals and labs, to studying in classrooms. PPE has also been donated through distribution events with local partners to help benefit the local community.

Read more online.

BE A COMMUNITY GAME CHANGER!

You’ve got what it takes to help a cause you care about thrive!

If you’ve ever wanted to serve on a nonprofit board, but didn’t know where to start, join us on our June 23 webinar with Board Match Now© to learn the answers. They use modern philanthropic technology to MATCH talented, socially responsible people with charitable causes that need your skills, leadership and heart. Created by National Leadership Institute (NLI) and powered by Septennium Technologies, this program includes board and leadership training, all at a discounted rate to alumni, friends and employees of Broward College.

The June Alumni Webinar featuring Board Match Now© will tell you everything you need to know about serving on a non-profit board.

• Where do you start?
• What skills do you need?
• How do you know if the board is a good fit for you?
• What are the terms of the board? How many years do you serve? Is there a financial commitment?
• What is the role? What is asked of you?
• How will you make a difference?

Register for the webinar!

FLORIDA TAX WATCH REPORT GIVES THUMBS UP TO BROWARD UP™

Launched in 2018, Broward UP™ is already making a material impact on its participants, the community, and the state according to “An Independent Assessment of the Value of Broward UP.” Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile, J.D., said the report, released by Florida TaxWatch, an independent, nonpartisan government think tank, will fuel Broward UP™ efforts.

“This Florida TaxWatch report finds that the approximate total of Broward UP™ participants’ career earnings is more than $1.3 billion and, what’s more, the program has the potential to save Florida millions of dollars in public assistance funds annually,“ said Dominic M. Calabro, Florida TaxWatch president, and CEO. "Given those far-reaching benefits, we strongly encourage policymakers, other colleges, and communities to use this successful framework as a model for the rest of the state."

The Florida TaxWatch assessment was funded by The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation, one of the lead philanthropic investors in Broward UP™.

Read more online.

BROWARD UP™ FEATURED IN “NEW AMERICA” BLOG

Broward College is leveraging partnerships to offer free education and wraparound support for its most vulnerable community members, believing this model is replicable across other community colleges.

The gap between the haves and have-nots seems to grow, but Broward College is having none of it. Read this blog to see how “New America” covered the Broward UP™ initiative.

TALKING SPOTLIGHTS

You may now view our Alumni Spotlight Interviews – up close and personal. Click on an image below and hear their story. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to see videos as they are posted!

Patricia O. Urquiaga Founder and CEO Urquiaga & Company, LLC	Abiud Montes Paramedic / Firefighter City of Hollywood Fire Rescue	Brett Dunckel Fire Prevention Officer Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue

If you would like to get to know our alumni, watch these in-person interviews and hit the SUBSCRIBE button for an inside look and to stay updated. You’ll learn about the impact Broward College had on their success, their role and career, hear the best advice they received, their favorite quotes and why, their heroes, what they are excited about, what they are deeply grateful for, and so much more!

MAY’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!

MAY’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.

AMAZON + BROWARD COLLEGE = WIN-WIN

When you shop on Amazon, your purchase can support Broward College – for free! Just use smile.amazon.com or activate AmazonSmile in your Amazon mobile app by selecting the Broward College Foundation. When you spend, Amazon will donate a portion to support the college.

AmazonSmile and Amazon are exactly the same in terms of experience – the only difference is the added benefit to Broward College students.

Activate AmazonSmile in your mobile app now or save SMILE.AMAZON.COM as a favorite in your browser! Then shop away!

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.

MAKE A GIFT THAT COSTS YOU NOTHING TODAY

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.