Immersed in Realities, Broward College Students Explore Next Frontier in Computing
As students paraded in and out before the start of that evening’s meeting of the Broward College Intech Club, Mariela Lopez and Jorge Ortiz stood in front of the classroom with a pair of goggles over their eyes and looked out at the future of computing.
The sleek space age-looking glasses or something resembling them, are expected, at some point, to converge all extended reality (XR) technologies including virtual, augmented and mixed into one wearable and mobile device. Imagine what that might mean: information from a desktop computer or mobile phone would no longer be bound to a screen but projected instead into real-world fields of view seen through the lenses of a wearable device. With that promise in mind, think about how XR may transform the way people work, spend their leisure time, and learn.
“There’s wide agreement that a big bang is ahead of us,” said Dr. Raz Ben-Ezzer, who is part of a Broward College team of faculty and administrators charged with developing initiatives in spatial computing, extended reality, and other advances around augmented technology. “Once this platform or device hits the marketplace, the product is going to change our world like the smartphone has, but probably even more.”
When that explosion bursts onto the scene, Broward College students will be prepared to take advantage of the technology’s rippling effects. The College, in partnership with Magic Leap, the Plantation, Florida-based creator of the mixed-reality goggles, is establishing an IDEA (Invent, Design, Education and Accelerate) LAB on A. Hugh Adams Central Campus. The collaboration also involves Broward College’s Entrepreneurship Experience (BCEx).
The Next Smartphone
Inside the lab, students will learn the fundamentals of extended reality, the umbrella term for computer-generated environments that either merge the physical and virtual worlds or creates an entirely immersive experience for wearers. So far, the centerpiece for instruction in spatial computing are the 42 mixed-reality headsets and pocket-sized wireless computers supplied by Magic Leap. From those devices, digital content is blended with live environments, enabling students to interact with both in real-time.
“It’s really cool when you put them on for the first time,” said Lopez, who will begin classes in the fall in the College’s B.S. in Information Technology, which has a spatial computing specialization. “It’s something we’ve never seen before.”
From advanced robotics to self-driving cars, to the viral app Pokémon GO, elements of augmented reality are popping up everywhere. Students and faculty at Broward College hope to take the technology a step further by creating new teaching and learning opportunities.
In the not too distant future, nursing students at Broward College might don mixed reality goggles to practice inserting catheters into a virtual patient’s bladder, eliminating the risk of performing the procedure on a live human being and the expense associated with creating a life-like situation. The same thinking applies to most disciplines – think history and geology or STEM or communications and aviation, to name a few.
“Everybody needs to be exposed to spatial computing technology,” said Michelle Levine, district director of Faculty Development. “But not everybody right now understands the need to get onboard or sees the relevance.”
On Frontlines of Learning
Levine was among a team of 12 faculty and administrators, who last month attended “Realities 360,” an augmented and virtual realities conference for workforce training and higher education. The team is in the process of taking what they learned at the California conference to determine how faculty can apply XR to supplement and improve learning on campus.
Following a training “boot camp” later this month with Magic Leap and a Hackathon devoted to spatial computing in September, the team will present a campus symposium, April 3-4, 2020, to share what they’ve learned about the technology and how some basic principles can be immediately applied in the classroom.
“I feel like we’re pioneers,” said Ben-Ezzer, while he downloaded an app that would enable him to play a virtual drum set in the confines of his office. “At a certain level, colleges and universities are getting ready for this. We are not the first, but we are certainly at the forefront.”
Are you interested in a career that bridges the physical and digital worlds to transform the way people live, work, and learn? Then see how a degree in Information Technology will put you on the frontlines of the next must-have technology.
Making Strides Towards Change – Dr. Stephanie Etter is the First Woman Appointed as Dean of Information Technology
When Dr. Stephanie Etter was named the interim dean of Information Technology and Engineering, she was making history. Stephanie is the first woman to occupy the position at Broward College, and she plans to seize the opportunity to bring along much-needed change.
The California University of Pennsylvania alumna found her passion for higher education on the very first day of undergraduate school when she was assigned as a work-study to the office of the vice president of academic affairs. She went on to complete a master’s degree in Business Administration from Carlow University and her Ph.D. in Information Systems and Communications from Robert Morris University.
A Closer Look
An avid traveler and mother-of-two, Dr. Etter truly enjoys spending time with her family. “We love to be on the go. Traveling with my kids is my favorite time,” she says. “Our favorite activity is snorkeling. We tend to stay local, usually going to the Florida Keys.”
When it comes to her professional life, she translates her love for her children to a passion for her students. “She’s student-centric,” says Annie Myers, who works closely with Dr. Etter, as the associate dean of Information Technology. “Her priority is to build a program that will guarantee their success, and she’ll do everything in her power to see that through.”
Dr. Etter started at Broward College as a faculty member for the B.A.S Technology Management program in 2011. “I loved being a faculty member and working with the students,” she explains. “Making that one on one connection is priceless because you hear about the impact you make in their lives and their career decisions, and it’s very rewarding.”
Strengthening the IT Program
As interim dean, Dr. Etter has established short term goals. On her priority list is developing and strengthening relationships with more local workforce partners, getting additional input on the type of skills they expect from graduates, and improving the current curriculum.
“When you work in IT things are always changing, and one of the most exciting parts about this job is to make sure that we stay on top of that and constantly look at what’s out there and what we need to develop to guarantee our students are competitive in the workplace,” she says.
She is currently hard at work to make sure the program keeps its place for the number of state recognized industry certifications awarded to its students at the top of the list. The recent partnership with Wyncode, the development of the Spatial Computing program, and the incorporation of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Certification are exciting steps towards the stronger academic curriculum she has in mind.
Creating a Strong Legacy
For Dr. Etter, the responsibility of being dean of Information Technology at Broward College and the first woman to serve in the position is not overlooked. “I’m exceptionally proud of this opportunity. Women are underrepresented in the field, and I hope that the work that I do as dean inspires other women to pursue a career in IT.”
Although it’s been just a few weeks since taking over the helm of the department, she is already leaving strong impressions among her peers. “She’s sharp, intelligent, and kind,” says Dr. Myers. “And it’s just wonderful to have a woman that supports and promotes women in IT and other STEM fields, so we are extremely excited to have her lead the way in our program.”
As inclusion is generating changes in Information Technology and other STEM fields, the demand for women in IT is growing. Learn about STEM pathway and the career opportunities within Information Technology.
In Florida House, Former Broward College Student Lends Her Voice to Boost District
Although she was just 13-years-old when officials at Seminole Middle School in Plantation failed to take steps to discourage the racial and ethnic slurs that suddenly began popping up in books and on desktops, Anika Omphroy rallied her classmates to erase the disparaging graffiti themselves and to collect signatures on petitions that decried the offensive attacks.
“I learned at an early age that my voice was my own – and I could use it,” said Omphroy, who, as a 41-year-old newly elected member of the Florida House of Representatives, is still speaking out, but these days on behalf of residents and businesses in District 95 in Broward County, which encompasses parts of Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill and North Lauderdale.
A one-time Broward College student and current resident of Lauderdale Lakes, Omphroy was automatically sent to Tallahassee after winning state office unopposed in last year’s November election.
“Running for office was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done,” said Omphroy, who, to her surprise, learned she had become a Florida lawmaker while ordering a Mint Majesty Tea at a Starbucks drive-thru window. “I would wake up every morning determined to explain to people what my goals are and every day I would get a little bit torn apart – ‘What do you know about this job? You’re too young. You’re too small. You’re too that.’”
Out of Her Element
Perceived to be a bit out of her element, Omphroy took pieces of advice and encouragement from others to stitch herself back together and create a vision for what she would like to during her first term. Reducing the poverty rate by five percent in her district, one of the most economically challenged in the state, she said, is within her sights.
“I’m on a mission to look at opportunities that we have to change economic outcomes,” said Omphroy, who has toured the local airport, seaport, and research facilities as well as her old stomping grounds at Broward College to initiate conversations with the county, state and federal stakeholders. “I want to go throughout my district and get people to sign up for apprenticeship programs and to get more people the information they need to change the outcomes of their businesses.”
On Board with Broward UP™
That’s why the democrat said she is intrigued by Broward UP™, a community-centric approach established last year by to address low educational attainment levels and the financial challenges which often accompany them. Among the six Broward County zip codes identified for initial support under Broward UP, three of the zones are in legislative districts that Omphroy represents.
“Helping people – it’s something I do naturally,” said Omphroy, who, as a microbusiness consultant, wants to work with the Innovation Hub at Broward College to support new startups. “There is nothing greater than being able to gently tap someone in the right direction and, then a couple of years later, see them thank you for it.”
Some two decades after transferring from Broward College to complete her bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies at Nova Southeastern University, Omphroy acknowledges that the energy and passion she has for helping others was cultivated as a student. Unpretentious flashbacks, such as the time she couldn’t find her way to a class until another student pointed her in the right direction, are not lost on her.
“It was like the first time I drove a car by myself,” said Omphroy. “Going to Broward College was the first time I got to be in control of my own life. And those are the moments that stay with me.”
If you believe economic circumstances should not determine access to higher education, then Broward UP™ could use your help. Here’s how you can partner.
The First Week of Classes is Here, and We Are Answering All Your Questions!
Broward College is happy to welcome all students to the first week of classes!
If you’re a new student or returning to school after a long break, we know it’s an exciting, yet overwhelming time as you find your way to classes, the cafeteria, and the library. Luckily, we have a team of dedicated fellow students, advisors, and volunteers to help you. They have shared with us some of the most popular questions asked by students, as well as some quick tips.
Location, location, location…
“Most students that have passed by this morning have asked us about class locations,” says Violeta Lozada, a Student Life volunteer at the tent in front of building 19, at Central Campus.
During the first few days, Student Life has set up tents across each campus to help students with their questions. They are also handing out free water, chips, and maps. You can also ask them for a campus tour or pick up an event calendar.
“As a student myself, the best advice I can give my peers is to make sure they add a few extra minutes to their schedule to make up for parking, walking to class, and such. Planning ahead also helps!” suggests Violeta.
Don’t Miss Orientation
For new students, the best way to get all your questions answered is to attend one of the three daily sessions of orientation. “Orientation is a must for new students. During our sessions, we walk them through all the online portals they need to be familiar with as well as important locations around campus, how to register for classes in the future, and answer additional questions they may have,” explains Patrick Cuello, admissions and registration specialist.
You Still Got Time
If you have not yet registered for classes, you still have time. Registration for sessions I and II is open until August 25, and registration accepts walk-ins. The offices are open Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“The best thing for individuals looking to register after being admitted is to see an academic advisor to sort out the classes they need and then proceed to register,” says Cuello. “We want to make sure students know that we are here to help them sort everything out in a timely manner.”
For more information on important dates, click here.
Have a great semester Seahawks!
Plan ahead to avoid the stress of the first day of classes. We have all the resources you need online. Welcome to Broward College!
Welcome Back Seahawks! – Make the Most Out of Your Semester with These Back to School Tips
Summer is officially over, and as you settle back into your school routine again, it may be challenging to escape the vacation mindset. We caught up with our experts at the Academic Success Center (ASC) who shared these tips to get you back on track and help you succeed as you start the new academic year.
“By following these tips, we can guarantee that students will benefit greatly,” says Sara Smith, an English tutor at the ASC. “They will turn in assignments of high quality, which will positively impact their grades and their overall academic success.”
Take Care of Yourself First
The first thing she and her colleagues agree on, is to make sure all your basic needs are met. This includes everything from eating healthy and exercising, to getting a good night’s rest. When you pay attention to your physical and mental health, it’s easier to concentrate on your responsibilities.
Make and Stick to a Schedule
Getting back to a routine and work is hard, especially if you are still feeling the summer bliss of days spent at the beach, hanging out with friends, and not having a worry in the world, or have become accustomed to having only a work schedule. It’s important to create a and stick to it. Once you know your class schedule, and any additional responsibilities you may have, such as work or chores, you should build a comprehensive timetable you can follow. Just remember not to overwhelm yourself. It’s all about proper time management.
Prioritize your Workload
To avoid some of the stress associated with assignments, Smith says she encourages students to create a priority list. As it relates to school work, it’s best to attack whatever subject matter you find the most difficult first. That way, you use most of your energy and focus on the area that needs it the most. You will be relieved to get that over with, and the “easier” subjects will feel natural to you and less stressful.
Concentration is Key
When it’s time to study, put all distractions away. Turn off all electronic devices, yes, especially your cellphone. If you must use a laptop and internet access, avoid logging into your social media sites. Additional distractions can include the presence of other people in the room and loud conversations.
“It’s crucial for students to create a distraction-free environment. It’s the only way to really devote the attention and effort necessary to complete all the assignments at hand,” explains Smith.
Avoid procrastination
It’s so easy to get caught up in the “I can take care of it later” train that you must put an effort on your part not to do so, especially at the beginning of the semester. Whether you realize it or not, the way you approach your responsibilities, now is the way you’ll approach them later. If during the first week of class, you start putting off assignments, by mid-semester, you will find yourself overwhelmed by the amount of work and pressured about deadlines.
“Most of the time, students tend to put off the assignments they find overwhelming. The thing to keep in mind is that, however overwhelming an assignment may seem, procrastinating will only compound that feeling,” says Smith. “The best way to avoid falling into procrastination is to find an accountability partner to keep you on track or form a study group with your peers.”
If you find yourself struggling with an assignment or a particular subject, visit the Academic Success Center on your campus. You can find tutors for many subjects, including English and Mathematics. Learn more about campus locations, hours, and additional services available at the ASC.
A Pathway with Many Doors – How Business Keeps You on the Go
A career in business has many perks, but the greatest is that there will never be a shortage of employment opportunities. As a business major, you can apply your knowledge to any industry, from healthcare and hospitality to agriculture and communications, and anything in between.
After all, every business needs accountants, marketing planners, and managers.
“The business industry is not for the faint of heart,” warns Paul Moore, dean of Business and Management. “Students that choose to pursue a career in business must be driven, easily adaptable to changes, and must dominate skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. It’s a very rewarding industry with many employment opportunities, but it needs strong and determined people.”
Broward College Offers Many Certifications and Degrees in Business
Broward College offers everything from technical certificates to bachelor’s degrees. Many Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees have technical certificates embedded in the curriculum, allowing students to earn qualifications that demonstrate their skills and proficiency as they complete specific courses within their program. Even after obtaining their degree, some students qualify for additional industry-related certifications.
One of the most popular bachelor’s programs at Broward College is part of the pathway. The Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Supervision and Management offers four areas of specialization: management, human resource management, marketing and sales, and project management. Other high-demand programs such as hospitality and tourism, business analytics, marketing management, and business administration are all offered at Broward College.
Broward College Builds Your Skills Inside and Outside the Classroom
By choosing Broward College, you are guaranteed to receive a top-quality education but also extracurricular opportunities to complement what you learn in the classroom. Through student clubs and organizations such as DECA, Phi Beta Lambda (PBL), Paralegal Eagles, and Accounting Student Association (ASA), students can develop their skills set through mock presentations, creating business and marketing plans and proposals, and participating in competitions with other schools.
“The more experience students gain through these clubs, the easier it will be when they join the workforce. They will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to confront any situation,” explains Dean Moore. “On top of that, participating shows future employers that the student possesses the quality and previously mentioned skills that are in high demand.”
The perk of choosing Broward College, Dean Moore says, is that the College understands local workforce demands as it has excellent partnerships with some of the leading employers and has researched the industry well enough to develop and offer the programs that prepare students for the current needs of the workforce as it evolves over the next decade.
The Current Workforce
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Florida ranks in the top five for employment opportunities in business and financial occupations. The industry is well-positioned in the state with higher-than-average wages and faster-than-average job growth rates compared to other occupations.
Most entry-level jobs accept an associate degree, but opportunities broaden once you expand your education level. Among the job options available to business majors are business consulting, financial and budget analysts, management training, financial examiners, advertising and promotion managers, insurance sales agents, sales managers, accounting, and financial advising.
Many of these jobs are on the high end of the pay scale. The BLS data shows that the average annual wages start around $40,000 and can go all the way up over $120,000. “It’s all about building your way up, as in any industry, the higher you go, the higher the pay,” says Moore.
A career in business can take you anywhere. See the complete list of degrees available at Broward College and start building your way to the top of the world today.
Summer is Cool for High School Students at Pre-College Leadership Institute
When summer rolls around, Ronald Irano Duncan knows his mother’s plans are not far behind. Once school lets out, she has a habit of asking her 17-year old son what he plans to do with his vacation and before he can burst out an answer, she tells him.
“You know my mom,” said Duncan, a senior at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach. “She tells me I’m going somewhere.”
This summer, Duncan headed to Broward College, where the Pre-College Summer Leadership Institute (PLSI) welcomed high school students like him in grades 10-12 for three weeks of life adjustment training or, as the program’s brainchild says, “the employability skills that pay the bills.”
“We gauge them on a number of things – leadership, financial literacy,” said Billy Jones, the PSLI coordinator and an assistant professor of English at Broward College. “We want to see what they know, but also what they need.”
For the most part, those essentials are centered around registration in an actual Broward College course. The 46 PSLI students who enrolled this summer in “Strategy for Success -- SLS 1001” gained exposure to the tools and resources that will contribute to their success in college, well in advance of their high school graduation. That means an introduction to strategies for studying and test-taking, techniques for note-taking, skills for time management, and concepts for building leadership and emotional intelligence.
“Coming here has taught me a lot of skills that I can use throughout life,” said Noah Cihal, a 15-year-old at Hollywood Hills High School. “I’ve learned how to read a room. If I go to an interview and someone is giving off a bad vibe, I can figure out why and make it a lighter situation.”
Head-Start on College
The high schoolers are also made aware of various academic disciplines offered at Broward College and the careers they can pursue. On other days, the students take part in mock interviews, writing resumes, and cover letters or connect with adult role models from the community who visit campus to share their personal stories. For a few hours a day, over a couple of weeks in July, the students are better equipped to return to high school in the fall with three college credits as well.
Jones said PSLI is an extension of the Minority Male Initiative, a Broward College strategy that provides underserved students with the support they need to complete their college goals.
“We wanted to create an opportunity that would impact young minority men,” said Jones. “Our data confirms that minority males are more likely to drop out of college, so we had to look at retention mechanisms that will show these young men how to take initiative and become advocates for themselves.”
Make Room for Parents
Parents of the students have been greeted with such positive reviews from their children that plans for an offshoot of the bridge program are underway.
“Every year, I get parents that come up to me and ask, ‘Is there something like this for me,’” said Jones. “The parents recognize there is value for them, as well as their kids.”
Beginning in September, “Parents Mentoring Parents” plans to meet every other week on campus. So far, 13 parents from the group of 46 students in PSLI have registered.
“We are showing people we value them,” said Jones. “If we can support these parents, they will, in turn, be supporting these young men.”
Parents and their children looking for strategies for success can explore opportunities through the Pre-College Summer Leadership Institute at Broward College.
Broward College Combines Forces with Wyncode To Provide State-Of-Art Training in Information Technology
Technology dominates almost every area of our lives, from paying bills, household chores, ordering food, to communicating with friends and family across the world. It’s only logical that this is one of the fastest-growing industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates a 13 percent increase through 2026, which equals to over half a million new jobs.
Even with this demand for new Information Technology (IT) professionals, not everyone trained in the field will be hired.
Broward College knows how crucial it is to equip students with the skills necessary to give them an advantage over other candidates with similar qualifications. In its latest effort to offer the latest training, the College has partnered with Wyncode , an award-winning organization that provides web development training to hundreds of companies and individuals since 2014.
New Partnership Refreshes Program
As a result of the partnership, the College will this fall integrate five new courses into its bachelor degree in Information Technology Web Development specialization. Wyncode will offer support through its training providing hands-on experience focused on industry-related hard skills.
“When the opportunity to work with Broward College, which has over 60,000 undergraduate students, came up, we were extremely excited. We are looking forward to Broward College students accessing Wyncode's award-winning curriculum and learning the skills that today's technology companies are looking for," said Juha Mikkola, co-founder, and CEO of Wyncode.
Wyncode will work in conjunction with Labcode, a company that offers access to coding camps in South Florida to middle school, high school, and college students. Together, they will assist with workshops and boot camps to students enrolled in select Broward College web development courses. The hands-on workshops will be available to approximately 15-30 students per semester, and they will earn 15 of the 27 specializations credits required for the IT Web Development bachelor’s degree.
Registration for the program is still open. For more information, click here or contact Mitch McBee, associate dean, Information Technology at [email protected] or .
High-paying jobs are booming in Information Technology. Broward College offers several programs that equip you with the skills you will need to succeed in the field. Learn more about these career opportunities.
Unlimited Potential! Broward UP™ Movement Gaining Countywide Momentum
Broward UP is on the move.
In just the last few weeks, Broward College formed partnerships with the cities of Lauderhill, West Park, Lauderdale Lakes, and Hollywood to use the services and resources of Broward UP to break down barriers to education and drive social mobility and economic development.
Broward UP – the UP stands for “Unlimited Potential” – is a community-centric approach established by Broward College to address low education attainment and the financial challenges which often accompany it. The movement is grounded in the belief that residents in some Broward County cities with low educational attainment and higher than average unemployment rates need specific support to unleash their “unlimited potential” and pursue higher education to make a better life for themselves.
“Thankfully, Broward UP is working, and we are charging forward with even greater confidence, enthusiasm, and purpose,” said Dr. Mildred Coyne, the executive director of Career and Workforce Education and Economic Development.
Lauderhill Mayor Ken Thurston said Broward UP’s first municipal partnership evolved after Broward College President Gregory Haile and his team presented their strategies at a meeting of the city commissioners. Shortly after that, the collaboration was launched at the Boys & Girls Club of Broward College in Lauderhill, where Broward UP staged a day of recreational activities and team building.
“There is a willingness by President Haile and those around him to think outside the box to find solutions to problems that have existed for a long time,” said Thurston. “The prospect of having classes in our city will increase the skills of our citizens, which should translate to increased employability for them and better jobs.”
Get Hired!
Working with the Urban League, Broward College has already awarded hundreds of certificates in areas such as, Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, and Project Management, to residents in the 33311 zip code who are seeking to improve their prospects for employment in high-demand industries. The effort has been met with such success that additional Broward UP programming is planned for the fall at several locations including the Lauderhill Aquatic Center, McTyre Park in West Park, and Jack & Jill Children’s Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Dr. Coyne said ten task-specific teams have been established and are coordinating to execute initial Broward UP goals: to increase college access and attendance; to improve degree and certificate attainment, and to holistically raise social and economic mobility. The teams are focused on business development; community engagement; financial services; locations and branding; programs, skills, and courses; retention; resource development; service-learning; social support services; and technology.
The Community Engagement team has been busy participating in events this summer to raise awareness of Broward UP in partnership cities while surveying residents to assess needs. Most recently, team members were on hand at the Carter Park JAMZ in Fort Lauderdale. Another appearance is scheduled for the “Back 2 School Bash,” 12-3 p.m., Aug. 3, at Lafayette Hart Park, in Fort Lauderdale. Led by , associate professor of English for Academic Purposes and Faculty Senate president, and Lori Morton, senior Career Center specialist, the team is seeking additional volunteers from the Broward College community to help spread the word at events in Broward UP communities.
Together We Serve
Volunteers are also needed to assist in Business Development, which is led by , district director of Supplier Relationships and Diversity. The team is meeting with owners of small and micro businesses in Broward UP zip codes to determine how they can increase revenue as well as provide information to the public about the movement.
Dr. Coyne said any movement as large and as transformative as Broward UP will take time and additional effort.
“We believe there is ‘Unlimited Potential’ in our community,” she said. “Thank you to all involved. I encourage you to consider how you can contribute to this movement because together we serve.”
To learn more about how Broward UP™ plans to bridge the gaps between communities in need and postsecondary education, watch this South Florida PBS interview with Broward College .
If you are dedicated to promoting opportunity and pushing residents of Broward County to achieve their highest potential, Broward UP™ is a countywide movement for you to get behind. Here’s how you can partner.
When BC Employee Hits Ground Running, No Telling How Far He’ll Go
Most mornings, Curt Liner likes to hit the ground running. For the landscape specialist at Broward College, that means a two-hour jaunt from his home in Davie through the streets that loop in and around A. Hugh Adams Central Campus before he heads to work.
“It’s a form of relaxation,” said Liner. “It’s nice and quiet. I can listen to the birds, see the sun come up.”
Liner figures his 5’oclock in the morning therapy involves running more than 2,000 miles a year, and at least 16 million steps in the past decade. The regiment has made him one of the top distance runners at his age in South Florida. In August, Liner will turn 60, and his colleagues at Broward College who are accustomed to honking their horns and waving when they see him running along College Avenue or Nova Drive, don’t believe he’s about to slow down anytime soon.
He has no reason to. Consider that Liner consistently posts times below most any runner his age. In March, as a member of the Broward College team, he finished 44th overall out of more than 26,000 competitors and first in the 55-59 age group at the Mercedes-Benz Corporate Run through the streets of Fort Lauderdale. With just enough time to catch his breath, he finished first overall out of all 300 participants two days later at the Healthy Broward Run, in Delevoe Park.
“I always want to be the fastest, oldest guy out there,” said Liner with a grin. “I’m at a special time in my life because I can’t lose. Who is going to say they beat a 60-year-old. They’d get laughed at.”
Liner wasn’t kidding around either, when he took up running almost 20 years ago after a co-worker at Broward College dared him to participate in a local 5K at Nova Southeastern University. Right out of the gate, Liner did well enough to want to run more. He also started asking questions of other runners and read whatever he could about training. In less than three years after his first race, he had knocked six minutes off his time in the 5K.
Down to a Science
These days, training has grown into a science of sorts for him. Liner can predict within seconds the time he will finish in any given race. His numbers have added up to a spot on the Runners Depot racing team.
“I’m a numbers guy, and I like to see my results from training,” said Liner, who graduated from Broward College in 1981 with an associate degree in landscape technology. “If I wanted to become a good runner, I had to become a student of the game.”
Like a student studying to pass an exam, Liner says if he puts in the work, there is hardly a reason he should not run the race he expects. And that’s somewhere near 18 minutes and a few seconds for 3.11 miles, or 12 ½ laps around a track.
Community Connections
Liner said he has won four races outright and the firsts and seconds in his age group are too many to count. He does fondly remember handily defeating a group of Broward College Physical Education students, who challenged him one day while he was working out at one of the fitness centers on campus.
Beyond the competition, Liner enjoys the camaraderie that comes with physical exercise. Prior to his running exploits, Liner kept active, connecting to both students and employees as a participant in the “flag football” and “ultimate frisbee” intramural programs offered on campus. Now, he’s still running around, but with a purpose.
“All these races I run in are for charities – for zero prostate, for cancer,” he said. “And most people who run in these races care. They are good people in the community.”
Already this year, Liner has run in 16 races. His next stop may be in a 10K in June in Ashville, N.C. He will be on vacation, then.
“You have to be a little obsessive-compulsive,” he said. “I’ll either run in a race or train. Wind, rain, I don’t stop. I still feel young for my age.”
If you are looking to build up a sweat, Broward College is the Color Run -- often referred to as the “Happiest 5K on the Planet” -- Saturday, May 18, beginning at 7:30 a.m., in Huizenga Park at 32 E. Las Olas Boulevard, in Fort Lauderdale. For more information on this unique paint race that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality, contact [email protected]
If you’re interested in a fitness career, check out Physical Education courses at Broward College.