Fort Pierce – Thursday, April 28, 2022: Indian River State College (IRSC) is awarding over 3,300 degrees this week at the colleges’ Spring 2022 graduation ceremonies, along with graduating an additional 1,300 students who completed other educational programs.
It’s a two-day event scheduled for Thursday, April 28 and Friday, April 29 at the Havert Fenn Center in Fort Pierce.
The class earned 2,612 associate-level degrees and 735 bachelor-level degrees. This is the 10th consecutive year that the CIHR class has exceeded 3,000.
For the first time, 1,300 additional students will participate in graduation ceremonies after earning technical certificates, advanced technology diplomas, general education diplomas, vocational training programs or courses at CIHR Educator Preparation Institute (EPI).
“Back to school is a special time in the lives of our graduates and for CIHR,” said CIHR President Dr. Timothy Moore. “We are thrilled to begin a new tradition this spring and honor all students who have taken the time to strengthen their educational foundations. Whether it is earning a single certificate to advance their careers or studying non-stop for four years to earn a bachelor’s degree, these CIHR students have this in common: hard work in the classroom, resilience to overcome challenges, and ambition to achieve their dreams.”
Thursday, April 28, 2022 Ceremonies:
• 9:00 a.m.: Associate of Arts Graduation Ceremony, graduates with last names beginning with AL
• 1:00 p.m.: Associate of Arts Graduation Ceremony, graduates with last names beginning with MZ
• 5:00 pm: Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science Degree, Technical Certificate, Advanced Technology Diploma, General Education Diploma, Vocational Training and PPE Program Ceremony
Friday, April 29, 2022 Ceremonies:
• 9:00 a.m.: Graduation ceremony
CIHR is privileged to present four exceptional speakers, one for each of the ceremonies:
Representative Dana Trabulsy will headline the 9:00 a.m. ceremony on Thursday, April 28. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Representative Trabulsy moved to Florida in 1986 and has called St. Lucie County home since 1991. She is a member of the Florida House of Representatives, representing District 84. Accomplished marketing professional and public relations, Trabulsy Rep established All Things Treasure Coast in 2016, a leading digital marketing and advertising agency. She recently donated her business to the St. Lucie County Chamber of Commerce and accepted the position of Director of Marketing for the Treasure Coast Food Bank. She attended Clayton State University in Morrow, Georgia.
Mark Adler is Acting Secretary of the Florida Department of Commerce and President/CEO of Enterprise Florida (EFI), Florida’s premier economic development organization. He will speak to CIHR graduates at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28. Adler brings a unique combination of skills to his role at EFI, combining entrepreneurial leadership, legal counsel and business development. He is an alumnus of the University of Florida, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and government and a JD from Levin College of Law.
CIHR Alumnus Frank Russo is the keynote speaker at the ceremony on Thursday, April 28 at 5 p.m. A successful entrepreneur, businessman, coach and decorated athlete, Russo earned his Associate of Arts degree from Indian River Community College in 1982. While at the College, he was drafted three times by the Expos in Montreal, New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates. , offers he declined, choosing to focus on his degree and pursuing his dream of being a Miami Hurricanes student-athlete. After CIHR, Russo pursued his bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and athletic training at the University of Miami, where he competed as a Miami Hurricane baseball player during his junior and senior years. As a Hurricane, he achieved another of his goals by playing in the College World Series. Russo left Miami to play professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds Organization in the Florida High A-League. During the offseason, he obtained his baccalaureate at FAU. After his baseball career, Russo began working as an orthopedic sports medicine sales representative, eventually founding three companies – Orthopedic Implant Professionals, Orthopedic Solutions, and the South Florida Learning Center. He has received numerous industry accolades, including Global Sales Performer of the Year for Stryker Orthopedics. Russo has since diversified his professional life by building a company that builds and sells luxury waterfront homes in South Florida. In 2020, he was inducted into the Levittown Hall of Fame to recognize his outstanding professional, academic and athletic achievements.
Joshua Kellam, President of The Garcia Companies and its affiliated companies, shares his experiences with students at 9:00 a.m. on April 29. Kellam is an entrepreneur and leader with extensive experience in all facets of land management, diversified development and community governance. His visionary leadership and broad knowledge of multiple disciplines has enabled him to lead complex initiatives in renewable energy, agricultural operations, environmental stewardship and real estate development. Kellam is directly involved in his community through multiple organizations. His professional inspiration is dedicated to a heritage deeply rooted in integrity. A true relationship builder with an unparalleled approach to business, Josh is a steward of the future and a believer in possibility.
“Today is a celebration, and it is a privilege to honor the dedication, perseverance and great success of our students,” shares Dr. Moore. “We look forward to the many future achievements of these 2022 graduates throughout their lives and careers.”
