JULY 2024

JM FAMILY ENTERPRISES: DEDICATED TO TRANSFORMING STUDENTS' LIVES 

JM Family Enterprises has been a dedicated philanthropic partner of Broward College since 1994. Their latest generous gift introduces an innovative funding strategy to provide financial aid directly to students from two of their favorite charitable organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward (for members aging out of the programs) and Habitat for Humanity of Broward (for family members). This blended $500,000 grant will establish both current and endowed cost-of-attendance scholarships for these eligible students. Additionally, it will fund a full-time recruiter position for the next four years, specifically focused on enrolling students at Broward College from these two organizations. We deeply appreciate JM Family Enterprises for their continued support and commitment to empowering our community through education and opportunity.

Martin Pinzon has been appointed Associate Dean of Allied Health Sciences at Broward College's North Campus, overseeing programs in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Radiation Therapy, Vision Care, and Physical Therapist Assistant. He is a proud Broward College alumnus, having graduated from the Physical Therapist Assistant program and earning a bachelor’s degree in Supervision and Management. He also holds a master’s degree in medical education from Nova Southeastern University and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at Aspen University.

Over the past ten years, Martin has served in various mentorship and leadership roles including as a full-time faculty member at Keiser University, and a physical therapist assistant at Memorial Regional Hospital South and Atlantic Rehabilitation Center.

Robert Voss has been appointed Associate Dean of Broward College’s Institute of Public Safety. An esteemed alumnus of Broward College, he graduated from the police academy in 1987 and earned an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree in 1993. In 2014, he completed his Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University and is also a proud graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy Class 247.

His distinguished career includes serving as a School Resource Officer, mentoring middle school students, and engaging with community groups on crime prevention. He also served in various leadership roles eventually rising to the rank of Major before retiring in 2018.

In 2018, he joined Broward College’s Institute of Public Safety as a faculty member, training police cadets in safe vehicle operations and tactical first aid. Recognized for his leadership, he became Interim Associate Dean in 2022. He emphasizes empathy and emotional intelligence in training the next generation of officers, fostering community policing, and building trust. Under his leadership, the academy achieved a remarkable 94% first-time pass rate on the State Officers Certification Examination (SOCE) in 2023.

Do you have news to share? A major milestone? Career change? Tell us at Class Notes - Broward College Alumni & Friends.

Join us from August 8 through August 11 at the 15th Annual Pillars Conference. This year’s theme is “The Art of Risk Taking: Maximize your Opportunities, Minimize your Excuses." The conference is a collaborative effort between the Broward College Social & Behavioral Sciences & Human Services (SBSHS) Professional Enhancement Program and other Broward College partners, including Broward College Alumni & Friends. This conference invests in student and alumni leaders to strengthen their sense of global purpose, total well-being, and individual resilience. There are many virtual sessions to choose from. 

Philanthropy Week at Broward College September 3-7:
Giving Back and Saying Thanks  

We’re excited to launch our inaugural Philanthropy Week—a celebration of the generosity of donors, a platform to engage students in philanthropy, and an opportunity to recognize and celebrate our dedicated faculty and staff donors. With three days of events on our campuses, Philanthropy Week will culminate in a Broward-based community volunteer beautification event on our A. Hugh Adams Central Campus in Davie on the morning of September 7. You are invited to roll up your sleeves and participate, but RSVP soon; participation is limited to 200 volunteers.

The Pickleball Challenge is postponed    

Thank you to those who have expressed interest in participating in the Inaugural Pickleball Challenge that was scheduled for Friday, September 6, at the Diadem Sports Complex. The event is currently postponed until further notice. We will reach back out when a new date has been scheduled.

If you have any questions, please email Elisa Stone or call 954-201-7490.

From October 18 to 19, 2024, the Broward College Computer Science and IT programs in the STEM Pathway will host its 9th Annual BC Hackathon aka PlutoHacks, a 24-hour coding event where teams of students design and develop prototype mobile/web apps to present before a panel of judges.

As planning gets underway for this year, the BC Hackathon planning team invites all Broward College alumni and friends to participate as individuals or organizations to serve as mentors or judges for our students during the event. There are also many sponsorship opportunities. For more information, email Ashley Shepple or call 954-201-8289.

Explore the incredible discounts that are waiting for you with TicketsatWork in August. TicketsatWork has put together a selection of savings that will make your summer one to remember. These include vacation discounts, supplies for hosting holidays, and sun-safe products.

If you haven’t signed up yet, visit ticketsatwork.com, click “Become a member” and enter this code: BCALUMNI

Did you know you can support charitable organizations like ours through your IRA or 401(k)? By naming Broward College Foundation as a beneficiary, you can continue to make lifetime withdrawals and keep the flexibility to change beneficiaries if things change. 

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

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

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