FPL & NEXTERA FOUNDATION FUEL STEM INNOVATION AT BROWARD COLLEGE

On May 1st, Florida Power & Light (FPL) and the NextEra Foundation visited Broward College’s South Campus for a dynamic STEM Research Showcase, spotlighting undergraduate projects in statistical mathematics. The event marked the culmination of a $400,000 multi-year research initiative and scholarship fund, comprising both current-use and endowed funds, launched in 2021 through the generous support of FPL and the NextEra Foundation.

Students collaborated with STEM Pathway faculty and industry experts on real-world research projects, including studies on the functionality of light poles, after-hours business lighting, and weather-driven energy demand. Their findings were formally presented to STEM faculty and administrators, as well as subject matter experts and leadership from Florida Power & Light and the NextEra Foundation.

This year’s focus on Mathematics builds on past cycles in Science, IT, and Engineering, demonstrating the evolving impact of this powerful partnership. Through the generous support of FPL and the NextEra Foundation, along with the guidance of the dedicated STEM Pathway faculty, Broward College students are empowered to engage in meaningful, applied research that bridges the gap between classroom learning and industry practice. 

Since 1993, FPL and the NextEra Foundation have invested in Broward College to help foster a dynamic learning environment grounded in equity, innovation, and mentorship. Together, we are building pathways that ignite ambition, spark creativity, and prepare our Broward students to tackle the complex challenges of tomorrow.

Broward College students Thaina Docilet, Tabitha McLeod, Guillermo Bonilla, and Omar Benjamin; Interim Associate Dean of Mathematics Kimberley Gwydir; Interim Dean of STEM Math Dr. Claus Schubert; Associate Professors Dr. Lilian Muniz-Alvarez and Dr. Laura Iossi; and Florida Power & Light and NextEra Foundation representatives Cindy Gomez and Tenika Johnson.

We are pleased to introduce our future Broward College alumni who are student leaders today and alumni leaders tomorrow. 

In this edition, we spotlight Zachary Whalen, who served as the Student Government President for Broward College’s Central Campus and Student Liaison to the Board of Trustees from August 2024 to May 2025. Zachary shared with us how he feels about his time at Broward College, the skills he developed, and how he envisions his future connection to the college.  

“Deciding to attend Broward College through the College Academy at Broward College (a dual enrollment program for juniors and seniors in high school) has been one of the best decisions of my life. Even more profound than my academic development through my college courses, Broward College gave me an unprecedented opportunity to engage with my community and explore my interests through extracurricular clubs, sports, and volunteering events. 

Having just graduated from Broward College with my associate degree on May 6th and waiting to graduate from high school at College Academy at Broward College on May 30th, I am looking forward to continuing my business studies at the University of Florida Honors College. I strive to lead a career in social enterprise that allows me to leverage capitalism to drive social impact, whether that be supporting affordable housing or developing pro-climate technology.

While my time as a student at Broward College is coming to an end, I plan on being an active member of our alumni community. Ideally, in the future, I would be honored to serve on the Broward College Foundation Board of Directors to help cultivate alumni engagement. Broward College is made up of hundreds of dedicated faculty, administrators, and staff, and I could not be more thankful for the roles that these individuals have played in my educational journey.”

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Alumni and friends of Broward College are cordially invited to participate in this year's Pillars Conference at the gorgeous boutique Pillars Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach, June 12-15. You'll engage with thought leaders, brilliant students from the Professional Enhancement Program (PEP), and faculty from Broward College's Social & Behavioral Sciences and Human Services Pathway. If you would like to attend the event in person, contact Phillipa Vassell at pvassell@broward.edu.

Welcoming the Class of 2025 to the Alumni Family

Broward College’s newest graduates and their proud family members gathered on May 6 to celebrate the spring Commencement ceremony. Broward College Alumni & Friends were present to welcome the new graduates into the alumni family and presented them with their official branded alumni pins and opportunities to take photos with President Alston, peers, and family members.

Photos from the day are available here. 

Today, we are delighted to feature Broward College graduate Destina Decile. A member of the Class of 2020, Destina’s path has been marked by a drive for educational and professional development. 

Destina is a proud alumna, and we were thrilled to have her join us as a volunteer at the May 2025 Commencement, where she assisted Alumni & Friends in greeting and celebrating our newest graduates. 

We spoke with Destina and asked her some questions about the impact of Broward College on her journey.

Read more here.

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.

Kick off your summer plans, find a gift for Father’s Day, and plan a getaway. 

With discounts for Disney, Oakley sunglasses, cruises, and more, you’re bound to find something. You must use the company code BCALUMNI to access these savings at Ticketsatwork.com. 

Nothing is more powerful than hearing from first generation in college students about the impact of donor philanthropy on their success. We invite you to watch this video and then consider making your own investment in student success with a contribution of your choosing here. 

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 Jim DeChant or call 954-201-7079.

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