News & Info Overview
Find out the latest news about Florida Keys Community College!
FKCC Announces New Hospitality and Tourism Management Initiative
May 21, 2013—With the toast of sparkling grape juice-filled flutes, Florida Keys Community College President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra formally announced the launch of the College’s highly-anticipated Hospitality and Tourism Management Initiative to a crowd of faculty, staff, and hospitality industry members yesterday at the Key West Campus.
Beginning this upcoming fall semester, the College will offer three hospitality courses—Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism Management, Marketing for Hospitality and Tourism, and Food and Beverage Management—as well as an internship program designed specifically to train students to enter or advance within the Keys’ largest industry... click here to read the full story.
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FKCC Holds 47th Commencement Ceremony
On May 3, 80 graduating Florida Keys Community College students walked across the Tennessee Williams Theatre stage in front of family and friends to receive their diplomas—a milestone moment culminating years of hard work, challenges, and achievements. Associate degrees, certificates and special awards were presented at the College’s 47th Commencement Ceremony. This graduation ceremony was also the first presided over by FKCC's sixth president Dr. Jonathan Gueverra.In his address to the Class of 2013, Student Government Association President Chris Minnerly reflected on his experience at FKCC and charged his classmates to make the best of their futures.
“Being here at Florida Keys Community College has opened my eyes to see things in a new light, with a more open-minded perspective. It’s a place where the faculty love what they do and dedicate their days to staying late to help students, a place where everyone knows each other by first name.” said Minnerly, who is heading to Florida Atlantic University in the Fall.
“We are the generation of change,” encouraged Minnerly, “we can alter the tides by creating a ripple.”
Click here to read more and here to view more photos.
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FKCC Pins, Graduates 13 New Nurses
May 3, 2013—Florida Keys Community College marked the graduation of 13 soon-to-be nurses with a traditional nurses’ pinning ceremony today. Each graduate was presented her pin by select family members, friends, faculty, or mentors—marking the completion of nursing school and the beginning of a new career. Originating with nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War, the presentation of the nurses’ pin and the lighting of the nurses’ lamp symbolically initiates new nurses to the profession.
Many of these graduates will immediately enter the workforce—staffing hospitals, doctor’s offices, and health clinics throughout the Keys and elsewhere.
FKCC’s next nursing cohort begins in August. Applications will be accepted until May 24. Click here to read more and here to view photos.
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FKCC Honors Exemplary Employees
April 24, 2013— FKCC recognized six exemplary employees today at its annual Employee Appreciation Awards luncheon on the Key West Campus: English instructor Lois Markham, Assistant to the Dean of Academic Affairs Diana Lorenz, Director of the Institute for Public Safety Marc Halvorson, Director of Purchasing and Plant Operations Doug Pryor, Diving and Emergency Medical Services adjunct instructor Barry Lawson. and Director of the President’s Office Debbie Leonard. Click here to read more.
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FKCC Students Raise Funds for Boston Bombing Victims
The members of two Florida Keys Community College student clubs, Sigma Alpha Pi and the Student Government Association, have quickly collaborated efforts to collect donations for “The One Fund Boston.” The fund will provide assistance to those most affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. If you would like to support their efforts, please contact any SAP or SGA member or their club advisors. They will be accepting donations through May 17. Click for more info.
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Student Art Show Displays Creativity and Talent
April 19, 2013— Florida Keys Community College will showcase the talent and creativity of their students at its annual Student Art Show in the Library Gallery on the Key West Campus. The show opens with a reception on Monday, April 29, from 5:30p.m. to 7:00p.m. The event is free and open to the public.Seventy pieces of artwork created by students over the past academic year will be featured, including ceramic pottery, paintings, photography, and sculptures (click here to view more). Most pieces will be for sale with proceeds going to the student artists as well as the Library Gallery Fund. Several awards will be given for each category, including the first ever “Jay Gogin Excellence in Visual Arts Award,” named after FKCC’s Artist in Residence and ceramics instructor of 23 years.
The exhibition will remain on display until June 7 and is sponsored by the FKCC Foundation. For more information, contact the FKCC Library at 305-809-3194 or library@fkcc.edu.
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FKCC Student Makes All-Florida Academic Team
April 10, 2013—Florida Keys Community College student Cameron Henry was named to the 2013 All-Florida Academic Team, comprised of the best and brightest students in the Florida College System’s 28 institutions. FKCC President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra escorted Henry to Daytona State College on Tuesday where an awards banquet was held to honor and distribute medallions to all 125 students on the team.Each year, the Florida College System recognizes exemplary students on the All-Florida Academic Team for their academic achievement, leadership and service to the community. Team members are nominated by the local colleges’ chapters of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), an international honor society among two-year colleges. Click here to read more.
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FKCC Students Plant 100 Staghorn Corals
[From Coral Restoration Foundation] On March 9, student divers from the Florida Keys Community College journeyed out to Pickles Reef for a full afternoon of coral outplanting. Earlier that day Coral Restoration Foundation President Ken Nedimeyer and staff stopped by the Tavernier nursery to collect fragments of Acropora cervicornis (or staghorn coral) for outplanting.
Aboard the Keys Diver II, 11 students from the Applications in Marine Science class taught by Dr. Alex Brylske received a detailed briefing on what they were about to do by CRF interns Lois Hatcher and Kayla Ripple. Click here to read full article.
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FKCC Students Advocate in D.C.
March 19, 2013—Students from Florida Keys Community College were in Washington, D.C. this week to advocate for the nation’s 13 million community college students, especially those in Monroe County.
Student Government Association president Chris Minnerly and vice president Shane Chavez spent weeks researching in preparation for the National Student Advocacy Conference, sponsored by the American Student Association of Community Colleges, March 16- 19.
The conference was designed to foster strong leadership and citizenship qualities. Activities included workshops, keynote speakers, and forums that focused on the major issues that are critical to community colleges—including preservation of the Pell Grant, funding for educational and training programs, and student loan availability and debt relief. Click here to read more.
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FKCC President Soars with Blue Angels
March 22, 2013—Florida Keys Community College President Dr. Jonathan Gueverra had the honor of flying as a VIP passenger with the U.S. Navy's famed Blue Angels on March 20, prior to the weekend’s Southernmost Air Spectacular at Naval Air Station Key West.
Lt. Ryan Chamberlain, pilot of the "7" jet, took Gueverra for the ride of his life in the $26-million F/A-18 hornet. The hour-long flight over the Florida Keys and surrounding waters included several inversions, rolls, and other stunts. At one point, the jet pulled 7.3 units of gravitational force, earning Gueverra the new nickname of “Dr. 7.3 Gs.”
Click here to read full article. Click here to view photos. Click here to view a video.
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FKCC Showcases Own with Art Faculty Exhibit in Library
FKCC’s Library Gallery welcomes the community to view the Art Faculty Exhibit on display through April 5. The collection showcases the abundant talent of the College’s art instructors—spanning a diverse spectrum of disciplines including photography, painting, welding, glass-blowing, mixed-media, and ceramics.According to Jay Gogin, FKCC’s ceramics instructor and artist-in-residence, the show will be “extremely strong” and provides the opportunity for the community, including prospective students, to see the artistic abilities of the faculty that lead the College’s art courses.
The FKCC Library and the FKCC Foundation will host an opening reception on Thursday, March 7 and a closing reception on Thursday, April 4, both from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. The events are free and open to the public. Most works will be available for purchase with proceeds in part benefitting the FKCC Library Gallery. Click here to read the full story.
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All Invited to FKCC's Presidential Inauguration, Community Day
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February 18, 2013—Florida Keys Community College invites the community to commemorate the inauguration of its sixth president Dr. Jonathan Gueverra, February 21-23. Events range from a cocktail reception to the formal installation ceremony and ball, followed by FKCC’s first ever “Community Day” festival.
Themed “Building Bridges,” the activities surrounding the momentous occasion provide the College with the opportunity to salute the future and thank the community it has served for nearly 50 years. While all events are free with the exception of the sold-out Inaugural Ball, the Inauguration will ultimately raise funds for student scholarships and academic programs via the FKCC Foundation.
“I was initially reluctant to have an inauguration,” said Gueverra. “However, these events are not really about me; they are about reinvigorating the College’s position within the community. We have much to look forward to in the years to come.
Like the iconic bridges that literally connect these unique islands, FKCC will embark on new endeavors that build ‘bridges’ of opportunity, success, economic empowerment and sustainability within and out of Monroe County. The inauguration renews our primary commitment to serving the residents, businesses and stakeholders of this community.”
Click here for more details.
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Lower Keys Women's Club Supports FKCC Nurses
The Lower Keys Women’s Club (LKWC) presented a donation of $4,200 to the FKCC Foundation, the fund-raising arm of Florida Keys Community College, at their “Mad Hatter’s Tea Party”-themed fashion show luncheon on Friday. The funds raised at the annual event allow the club to regularly contribute to the FKCC Foundation’s “Lower Keys Women’s Club Nursing Scholarship” fund, which was established in 1967.
“It has been the great honor of the Lower Keys Women’s Club to be a committed contributor to the FKCC Nursing Scholarship Fund,” said LKWC President Abby Oglesbee. “It is our mission to help our community and what better way than to help our youth get an education.” Click here to read the full story.
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Congressman Joe Garcia Visits FKCC
February 5, 2013—Students, faculty, and staff of Florida Keys Community College gathered on the Key West Campus on Friday to welcome United States Congressman Joe Garcia on his first visit to the southernmost college in his district.Garcia, who was in Key West to open his new office at the Gato Building, held a casual meeting with the college community. He answered questions about the future of higher education, federal financial aid, immigration reform, and the state of the economy. A community college graduate himself, Garcia shared his personal experiences and offered advice to students about exploring academic and career opportunities while in college. Click here to read full article. Click here to view photos.
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FKCC Art Instructor Shows in Library Gallery
January 2—FKCC’s Library Gallery welcomes the community to the first art exhibit of 2013 featuring accomplished local artist and FKCC art instructor, Annamarie Giordano. Her collection of pastels, encaustics, paintings, and other mixed media will be on display until February 14. The FKCC Library and the FKCC Foundation will host an opening reception on January 10 from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. This event is free and open to the public. All works will be available for purchase with proceeds in part benefitting the FKCC Library Gallery. Click here to read full article.
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FKCC Students Excel in DoD's Perseus
Nov.16-- A team of six Florida Keys Community College students anxiously awaited this week’s culmination of a two-semester research, design, and building project called Perseus. The Department of Defense sponsored program included student teams from three other institutions from across the nation. Their mission: to create an underwater vehicle capable of disrupting a cable submerged 40-feet beneath the water’s surface during a demonstration held Thursday at the College’s dive lagoon on the Key West Campus. The FKCC team seemed comparatively at a disadvantage—consisting of freshman and sophomore students in nursing, biology, computer science, marine engineering, and diving. The other teams were comprised of juniors and seniors majoring in fields like electrical and mechanical engineering from large, highly-esteemed universities (Georgia Tech, Steven’s Institute of Technology, and Florida Atlantic University). For many of those students, Perseus was their capstone senior project. Click here to read full article.
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FKCC Remembers Former Dean Jerry Cash
November 7— The faculty and staff of Florida Keys Community College mourn the loss of their former colleague, Dean of Arts and Sciences Gerald “Jerry” Cash. Cash, who retired in 2007 after 19 years of service, passed away on October 29 at his home in Columbia, South Carolina. “Jerry was a spectacular patron of the arts,” recalled Jay Gogin, FKCC ceramics instructor of 22 years, who was hired by Cash to grow what is now the college’s signature art program. “He personally hosted benefits at his house with his wife, Carolyn. He invited talented artists—ceramists, painters, jewelers, sculptors, glass-blowers—which raised tens of thousands of dollars for the college’s arts programs.”
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FKCC Graduates Law Enforcement and Corrections Officers in Double Ceremony
Nov. 9—Florida Keys Community College held a double graduation ceremony for the eight recruits in Basic Law Enforcement Academy 46 and 16 recruits of Corrections Academy 46 on Monday at the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the college’s Key West Campus. The college’s Institute for Public Safety also graduated six basic law enforcement students from their Upper Keys Center last week.
Upon passing their respective state certification exams, the graduates will become Florida Law Enforcement Officers or Florida State Corrections Officers.
Click here to read full article.
Click here to read full article.
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Meet Wyland at FKCC's Wyland Scholarship Fund-raiser
FKCC and the FKCC Foundation invite the entire community to attend a special evening of art and education with world renowned marine life artist and environmentalist Wyland on Thursday, October 18 at 6:00p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the college’s Key West Campus.The event will raise funds for the Wyland Marine Science Scholarship, established by the FKCC Foundation in 2010, after his generous participation in the college’s inaugural Shark Expo.
Attendees will be able to meet Wyland prior to the screening of Wyland’s new documentary, “Blues Planet: Sounds.” “Blues Planet” is a powerful film series featuring spectacular images and narrated by oceanographer, aquanaut, and author Dr. Sylvia Earle. The documentary includes interviews with some of the most prominent environmentalists of our day with an emphasis on the voices, music, and imagery that capture the state of our environment.
After the film, Wyland will create sumi-e brush art live on-stage and then auction each original piece to the highest bidders. Click here to read the full story.
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Congrats to 2012-13 Student Government Association and Officers
Oct. 1--Florida Keys Community College inducted five Student Government Association (SGA) officers for the 2012-13 academic year with a waterside ceremony today on the college’s Key West Campus. Student Activities Coordinator and SGA Co-advisor Laura Estevez administered the oath of office to President Chris Minerally, Vice President Lolade Agboola, Secretary Amber Saunders, Parliamentarian Gary Harriman, and Senator Jane Dinova.
SGA provides guidance to and is the official liaison of FKCC’s student body. They lead the development of student programs and activities, promote student involvement and positive working relationships, and provide students with opportunities to develop and exercise leadership skills.
Click here learn more about FKCC student clubs, activities, and events.
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Tues. Sept. 25, 2-4:00p.m.
@ Key West Campus
In 2008, 6 million Americans didn't vote because they missed a registration deadline or didn't know how to register. In 2012, we want to make sure no one is left out.
All FKCC students and community members are invited to register to vote at the Key West Campus from 2-4:00p.m. Representatives from the Monroe County Elections Office, League of Women Voters, and Organizers for America will be available with non-partisan voter information. Also FKCC's Services for Students with Disabilities will be available.
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Celebrate Constitution Day- Sept 17
September 7—FKCC invites the community to celebrate Constitution Day with students, faculty, and staff on Monday, September 17 from 11:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. in the library. Constitution Day commemorates the formation and signing of the U.S.. Constitution on September 17, 1787, laying the foundation of our government.Coordinated by FKCC Business Law instructor and attorney, Stephen Muffler, Constitution Day activities aim to educate participants on their rights under the Constitutional Amendments and encourage habits of being a good citizen. The program will feature guest speakers, Monroe County Court Judge Wayne Miller and Florida Supreme Court Justice Fred Lewis, who will speak about the Constitution and its significance in our everyday lives.
“The U.S.. Constitution is the blue print of our country, market system and free society,” explains Muffler. “It acts as the common denominator for all Americans, regardless of our differences.”
The City of Key West’s Citizens Review Board donated free pocket Constitutions to be distributed at the event. All attendees will also be able to register to vote with the help of representatives from the Monroe County Supervisor of Elections Office. Lunch will be provided by the Monroe County Bar Association.
Click here for: US Constitutional Games & Simulations
Click here for: US Constitutional Videos
Click here for: Constitution Day photos
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Click here for: Constitution Day photos
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Library Gallery Showcases Two Art Exhibits .jpg)
August 16—FKCC’s Library Gallery welcomes the community to view its first art exhibit of the new academic year. Two art collections created respectively by up-and-coming photographer Andrea Dean and accomplished realist painter John McIntosh will be on display through November 2 in the library on the Key West Campus.The Friends of the FKCC Library and the FKCC Foundation will host an opening reception on Thursday, August 23 from 5:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. The event is free and open to the public. All pieces will be available for purchase. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the FKCC Library Gallery. Click here to read the full article.
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