YOU AND THE BLUE: A Newsletter for Alumni and Friends of Broward College

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You & the Blue

JANUARY 2025

CONGRATULATIONS, PRESIDENT-ELECT TOREY ALSTON!  

Broward College Foundation and Alumni & Friends welcome Torey Alston as the College's new President and CEO. At its January 31, 2025 meeting, Broward College’s Board of Trustees voted unanimously to select Mr. Alston for this new role. Learn more about the official announcement here.

We learned during the public forum on Thursday that both of President-elect Alston’s parents attended community college, and his father graduated from what was then Broward Community College's Criminal Justice Institute - now Broward College's Institute of Public Safety. As a proud Seahawk, he shares a special connection to our institution. We are delighted to welcome Mr. Alston into our community as one of our own.

Interim Vice President, Advancement & Executive Director of Broward College Foundation Scott Rivinius shares the following message on the recent appointment: “We are delighted to have Mr. Alston lead Broward College into its future and implement his great ideas for enrollment and student success. I was excited about how many times alumni came up in our time with him, and I see a future where alumni are even more involved with their alma mater.”

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UKG'S IMPACTFUL PARTNERSHIP
SECOND COHORT

The Broward College Foundation is excited to announce the launch of the second cohort of the UKG Ready Human Capital Management (HCM) Certification Program, an impactful partnership between Broward College and UKG. This program equips students with essential skills and knowledge in Human Capital Management, unlocking pathways to fulfilling and dynamic career opportunities. Learn more.

 

BC students contribute to "Bugs" museum exhibit

The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science in Miami is full of bugs – and Broward College students helped put them there! Students from the College’s Environmental Science program helped bring to life the “Bugs” traveling exhibit on display at the museum through April 20. Learn more.

Pioneering pilot charts new course to educate and encourage youth

Eighteen years ago, alumnus and former Broward College Foundation board member Capt. Barrington Irving made history by becoming the first Black man and the youngest pilot to fly solo around the globe, earning a Guinness World Record. Today, he inspires young children to aim high through interactive education and his new children’s book, “Let’s Fly.” This story was reported by Craig Melvin on TODAY. Learn more.

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SECOND ANNUAL BROWARD COLLEGE MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM

 

The Second Annual Broward College Mental Health Symposium, held on January 22, 2025, at A. Hugh Adams Central Campus welcomed more than 100 attendees for a day of impactful discussions on addressing mental health stigma. Focused on underserved and minority communities, the event featured keynote speaker Julie Radlauer-Doerfler, L.M.H.C., a national expert in behavioral health and social connectedness. Attendees engaged in thought-provoking panels and activities, gaining strategies to promote mental health awareness and foster empathy. 

A special thanks to the exhibitors who participated, including Barry University Care Center, The Bougainvilla House, Florida Blue, Goodman Jewish Family Services, NAMI Broward County, Nancy J. Cotterman Center, South Florida Wellness Network, and Women in Distress, for providing valuable resources to support mental well-being.

ART, ADVOCACY AND ACTION: HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS AND PREVENTION

In case you missed it, alumna and artist Claudette G. Šernius and Tania Andre, CEO of the Mavuno Project, shared with us their passion for fighting human trafficking and raising awareness through art and advocacy. Watch and be inspired here.

3RD ANNUAL 5K WALK FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS  

The 3rd Annual 5K Walk to End the Demand for Human Trafficking on January 25 was a huge success, even with the chilly start to the morning. With Florida ranking third in the nation for reported human trafficking cases, every step taken made a significant impact. Thank you to all who walked, raised awareness, and stood against human exploitation. Check out the event highlights and photos on our website: alumni.broward.edu/events

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Alumni and friends of Broward College are invited to attend the afternoon session of the 2025 Artificial Intelligence Vocational, Instructional, and Business Expo (V.I.B.E.) on March 14 in Davie, FL. Come and be part of an exciting afternoon with the South Florida Education Center and its partners and delve into the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its diverse applications across various industries. The AI V.I.B.E. Expo will bring together industry leaders, educators, and innovators to showcase state-of-the-art AI tools, share valuable insights, and promote collaboration.

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Get Ready for the 37th Annual Broward College Golf Classic sponsored by BrightStar Credit Union! Mark your calendars for Monday, May 12, 2025, as we return to the beautiful Fort Lauderdale Country Club for the 37th Annual Broward College Golf Classic. 

Enjoy a day of golf on a newly renovated private course while supporting a great cause. Proceeds benefit the First Generation in College Scholarship, helping students achieve their dreams. Sponsorships are available, and spots are filling up fast. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to play, sponsor, or simply support this meaningful event. For more information or to get involved, visit bcfgolf.com or contact Elisa Stone at estone1@broward.edu or 954-240-8521.

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Alumna Lavaeda Bell’s story is one of perseverance and a desire to succeed. She shared this testimonial with us about her journey and connection with Broward College which she credits gave her a solid foundation: 

“My time at Broward College was an adventure as I was a single mother, and I had to start and stop college due to life. I started at Broward College when it was called BCC, and when it wasn't life holding me back, it was my fear of Math and how many classes I had left to acquire my associate's degree. With the help of tutoring and Math labs I finally attained my associate's degree in 2022 at the same time my youngest child was graduating High School from McFatter Technical College. Since graduating & finally receiving my associate's degree, I have been trying to get support with getting my online store out to the masses. I also attended and benefitted from the Broward College Entrepreneurial Experience program after receiving my associate's degree. Myfieryfaith.com is my online store offers inspirational items which I hope resonates with others.”

Would you like to be featured in an alumni spotlight in our You & the Blue newsletter? Let us know by filling out this online form here.

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Professor Winsome Mundy is an adjunct professor of Mathematics at Broward College’s North Campus. For the past 9 years, she has been giving back to her students philanthropically with gifts to Broward College. In honor of her ongoing spirit of giving, we asked Professor Mundy about her motivation for donating regularly to the First Generation in College and the American Dream scholarships.

“Why do I give to Broward College through the Broward College Foundation? 

"Students are the lifeblood of an educational institution. It is our responsibility to position our future leaders for success. 

A small contribution by an individual has great impact when combined with contributions from many others.

To be able to see the realized dreams of...

  • A first-generation student blazing a new path and setting a new standard for their family; or
  • A student in their last semester who needs finances to get to the finish line of graduation

...gives me such pleasure that I MUST GIVE. 

Giving is as much for me as it is for the student recipients. For each epic success, I celebrate, knowing that I am part of the fiber of that student's tapestry of life - my legacy lives on quietly.” 

We are filled with gratitude for Prof. Mundy, whose generosity has benefited, and will continue to benefit, many cohorts of Broward College students.

Would you like to share your Broward College story? Allow us to spotlight you. Submit your information here.

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Alumna Tasheaiyya Welch, Class of 2020, volunteered at the December 2024 Commencement and helped us welcome thousands of new graduates to the Alumni & Friends network.

She loved the experience and had this to say: "Volunteering can help you get involved in your community, meet new people, and feel connected to others. Volunteering can help you feel empowered to help others and make a difference in the world."

Would you like to volunteer with us, too?

Tell us how here.

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Check out savings with TicketsatWork. Celebrate the New Year with new savings on flights and hotels, electronics, and the latest in health and wellness.

If you haven’t signed up yet, click become a member and enter our company code: BCALUMNI 

Gift

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.

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Broward College Alumni & Friends 
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