The Future Frontline Workers - Nursing Graduates Participate in Drive Through Ceremony
In an emotional parade, led by an ambulance and firetruck, sirens blaring, scores of vehicles streamed onto the Broward College A. Hugh Adams Central Campus in Davie. It was not a sad occasion, but rather tears of joy, excitement, and a grand finale to celebrate the 116 nursing graduates, who had pushed through the challenges of the current pandemic to complete their program.
The 90-minute Drive Through Pinning and Carnation ceremony on Friday, May 8, part of Nurses Week, replaced the traditional candlelight ceremony to recognize the braveness and achievement of nursing graduates.
Keeping the Tradition Alive in Uncertain Times
It’s a tradition for many nursing schools, including Broward College, to celebrate their graduating class with a pinning and candlelight ceremony during which students take the Nightingale Pledge, named after the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale. At Broward College, each campus also holds a carnation parade on the first day that students wear their traditional white nursing uniforms and caps.
With the need to adhere to social distancing, these traditions have evolved for everyone’s safety. Letting the accomplishment of the class of 2020 go without acknowledgment was not on table for faculty and staff of the College’s nursing department. Sara Turpel, the dean, along with faculty and members of her administrative team, put together this alternative celebration.
The Parade
Some graduates drove together with peers, others brought their families with them, and many decorated their vehicles. Some wore their nursing student uniforms, while others wore white nursing graduation uniforms and caps. Graduates followed a processional line, where Dean Turpel and her team presented them with a candle, a copy of the Nightingale Pledge, their Broward College nursing pin and a flower. As a token, Dean Turpel also provided students with a personal note.
Graduates, like Sophia Vazquez, considered among the next set of frontline heroes in the fight against COVID-19, were grateful for the celebration.
“As I return home from the parade and all the emotions are settling in, I can’t help but express my gratitude to you and all of the BC nursing staff,” wrote Sophia in a thank you note. “Thank you so much for planning the parade and finding a way to celebrate our accomplishment! It was the closure that I needed, and I am truly touched by the experience. It was so heartwarming to see all of your faces and to see some of the professors who poured so much time and energy into our education.”
Broward College Nursing Graduates Among the Best
Many Broward College nursing graduates are currently serving on the frontline during COVID-19, and these graduates will join them. The College’s Nursing graduates have a stellar record of success in the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). In 2019, more than 96 percent of graduates of the College’s Nursing program passed the exam, and the most recent Florida placement data has shown that over 98 percent are currently in the workforce across the state.
Despite the challenges many college students are facing while they pursue their academic goals, Broward College nursing graduates proved their resilience as they continue to prepare for their certification exams during the COVID-19 pandemic. The significance of their most recent achievement is weightier these days as they step into a global pandemic front line.
Congratulations to our exceptional graduates!
You can help others through a career in Nursing. You can begin your academic journey at Broward College. Learn more about Nursing and other professions in the Health Sciences here.
Keeping Up with Student Life – Staying Engaged Virtually During Social Distancing
Our day to day lives has changed as we practice social distancing to help slow the spread of Coronavirus 2019, also known as COVID-19. We are no longer in the classrooms, libraries, Student Life Centers, or gathered at our favorite eatery on campus as learning and working are now remote.
Known for its innovation and creativity inside and outside the classroom, it is no surprise that Broward College, through its Student Life department, has found new ways to offer social activities, even if it’s virtually.
For the next six weeks, the Student Life departments will work together to hold live events via social media and release pre-recorded content on their social media platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
"The College is undertaking several measures to ensure that there is no drop-off in terms of the services we regularly offer the students,” says Stephanie Repaci, Student Life Director at the A. Hugh Adams Central campus. “Our goal is to reassure students we are here for them in every capacity by continuing regular student life programming, which we know is extremely helpful, especially now more than ever.”
Promoting Student Engagement
Repaci and her colleagues, at the North and Judson A. Samuels South’s campuses, directors Leo DeAraujo and Frances Fraser, have been working hard to find new ways to attract and captivate students. Regular programming in their departments focused on leadership, skills training, and motivational workshops and lectures.
They plan to follow through with most of their programming, adapting content to the new delivery methods to keep it relevant. “We understand that we must make certain changes not only for relevant purposes but also to be helpful to our students,” explains Repaci. Among those changes, there will be at-home workout tutorials, workshops on healthy cooking from home, tips, and advice on how to excel at remote learning. Additionally, they plan to offer broadcasts on leadership development, and in-home activities that include but are not limited to, challenges and DIY projects.
While a calendar of events is not fully available yet, as of Monday, March 23, the department began hosting virtual events starting with their weekly Monday Meditation session available on .
Keeping Updated
Both live and pre-recorded content will be uploaded to every social media platform for each campus and partnership center. Students are encouraged to check their student email regularly and follow at least one of these social media accounts to remain informed about upcoming content and events:
- Hugh Adams Central Campus: IG @bccentralsl
- North Campus: IG @northbc,
- Judson A. Samuels South campus: IG @bcsouthsl
Activities for Student Veterans
Students veterans can also remain connected. They can join Carlos Parra, director of Student Affairs, and the Office of Veterans Student Engagement every Friday from 5 – 7 p.m. through May 1, for virtual mixers via ZOOM. Students will receive a link to join via email.
Additionally, the Office of Veterans Student Engagement will host weekly one-hour check-ins every Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Students can share upcoming events and just keep informed about happenings and fellow student veterans.
Veteran students who want to request access to hosting ZOOM meetings and social events can reach out to Parra at [email protected].
Remaining Positive
As we adapt to our current situation and find ways to succeed academically, it’s also important to remember to keep a positive mindset. Broward College stands with you, and will continue to offer updates, resources, and tips on how to navigate through your academic journey during this crisis.
Students can check broward.edu/coronavirus for a complete list of student resources, tips on remote learning, and general coronavirus updates.
Sixty Years of Broward College – The Evolution of a College Dedicated to Community
When Broward College opened its doors in 1960, its goal was to serve a growing community in South Florida.
Broward County, established in 1915, had seen a slow but steady economic and population growth during its first few decades. But after World War II, between 1950 and 1970, the county experienced a population boom, which would see an average growth of 26,000 people per year. With a population of 620,000 people, the necessity for a college closer to home was evident, and, in 1959, Broward College was established as part of Florida’s plan to expand its two-year institutions.
The Junior College of Broward County
First known as the Junior College of Broward County under the leadership of founding President Joe B. Rushing, the College received its first class of 701 students at the former Naval Air Station Junior High near the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on September 6, 1960. A group of 28 faculty and 19 staff served the inaugural class.
In August 1963, the first campus opened in Davie, currently known as the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus. In 1968, the College changed its name to Broward Junior College, and in 1970, it changed again to Broward Community College.
By the late 1970s, two more campuses opened – the North Campus in Coconut Creek on February 27, 1972, and the Judson A. Samuels South Campus on January 17, 1978. Two centers soon joined the growing list of locations – the Willis Holcombe Center in Downtown Fort Lauderdale on October 1, 1973, and the Tigertail Lake Center in 1974.
Broward College was expanding throughout the county, and by the 1980s, it was serving well over 15,000 students and offering weekend classes.
The Leadership that Changed Broward College
Seven presidents have served Broward College since it opened. Dr. Joe B. Rushing, from 1960 to 1965, succeeded by Dr. Myron Blee for the next two years. In 1968, Dr. A. Hugh Adams assumed leadership of the institution and was one of the most influential presidents of the young College over the next 19 years. Dr. Adams was responsible for most of the expansion of the College, which included the North and South campuses and Downtown Center. His legacy was such that the District Board of Trustees named the Central Campus in his honor when he retired in 1986.
Dr. Willis Holcombe succeeded him from 1986 to 2003. He is remembered fondly by the staff who worked under his leadership. “Holcombe was such a sweetheart,” says wellness professor Nancy Estes, who has been at the College for 56 years. “You would see him on campus a lot. He would come over to the building and actually take an interest in talking to everybody, the students, the faculty, and the staff.”
Dr. Larry Calderon, who followed, was a pivotal leader in his two years as president. He was the pioneer behind the first strategic Master Plan, which resulted in the College obtaining a $14.5 million Title V grant, among many others. The Broward College Foundation created the American Dream Scholarship to honor his contributions to the College.
In 2006, J. David Armstrong Jr. assumed the presidency of the College, and under his leadership, the first baccalaureate programs began, and, in the summer of 2008, the institution’s name was changed to Broward College. Under his leadership, the College received numerous accolades, including being ranked as one of the top ten community colleges of the nation by the prestigious Aspen Institute. His legacy also includes the continued international expansion of the College to include international centers and affiliates across the globe.
On July 1, 2018, Gregory Adam Haile, J.D. former General Counsel to the College, was selected by the Board of Trustees after a nationwide search to lead the institution. Since 2018, President Haile has focused on supporting initiatives that increase student success and building stronger relationships across the community. He established Broward UP, the UP meaning “unlimited potential,” which is aimed at improving the lives of residents in Broward County zip codes with the highest unemployment and lowest education levels.
Broward College in 2020
Today, Broward College has the second largest enrollment in Florida more than 5,000 full-time and part-time employees, serves 63,000 students across ten locations, and offers 67 programs of study in some of the fastest-growing industries in the region – healthcare, aviation, business and information technology including certificates, associate and bachelor’s degree programs. The prestigious Aspen Institute recognizes the College as one of the top ten colleges in the nation, and some 1,000 institutions are evaluated for eligibility for this prize. It’s ranked first in the state for the number of industry certifications awarded to students and is ranked as a top regional college in the South by U.S. News & World Report for 2019 and 2020.
Broward College has a history of service and has met the need of Broward County Residents for 60 years. Whatever your academic or career goals, the College has a program for you. Find out more at broward.edu/academics/programs.
Educate, Enlighten, Entertain – The 2020 Broward College Speaker Series Kicks Off
The 2020 Broward College Speakers Series Presented by Virgin Trains USA is bringing star power to South Florida for its seventh edition. The annual program will kick off on March 12 with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, followed by U.S. soccer star Abby Wambach on April 29, and closing with humanitarian chef José Andrés May 18.
"These speakers are among our country’s history-makers and social-influencers and will stimulate thoughtful, public discussion on issues that relate to each of us as well as the community-at-large,” says Broward College President Gregory Adam Haile.
Each lecture will take place at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Amaturo Theater, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
The Web Celeb
Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales was dubbed a “web celebrity” by Forbes magazine. TIME magazine named him one of its “100 Most Influential People” in 2006. He is a Fellow of the Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard Law School and serves on the board of directors of Socialtext and for the non-profit Creative Commons.
He is the founder of the Wikimedia Foundation, WikiTribune, and Wikia. Following on his expertise, he will address the topic “What’s Next in Tech?” Thrive in a “Wiki” Future” during his presentation sponsored by Exults Marketing.
World Star Athlete
Abby Wambach is not only one of the greatest women soccer players in history but also a leading voice for women athletes in all disciplines. Wambach was the U.S. women soccer team captain who led them to victory in the World Cup championship in 2015 and gold medals in 2004 and 2012. She is the all-time leading scorer in international soccer history, with 184 career goals under her belt.
Wambach, a New York Times Best Selling author and activist of equality and inclusion, will discuss how she is “Living Authentically” when she visits Fort Lauderdale this spring.
Humanitarian Chef
José Andrés is known for his avant-garde cuisine in the culinary industry. Named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2012 and 2018, he’s received several honors, among them the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2017 from the International Association of Culinary Professionals and the “National Humanities Medal” in 2015.
Andrés has taken his passion for food to a higher level. He was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria when he delivered more than 3.5 million meals in Puerto Rico through his non-profit organization World Central Kitchen. During his presentation sponsored by Stearns Weaver Miller, Andrés will explain how he is “Changing the World Through the Power of Food.”
Tickets for the general public are $55-$65 and can be purchased at www.BrowardCollegeSpeakerSeries.com. Broward College students and employees are eligible for a discount when they purchase tickets at the AutoNation Box Office window at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. They must show valid student ID or proof of employment. Tickets are also available to a reception and photo opportunity with the speaker after each presentation. Tickets to the receptions are limited.
Commemorate Black History Month at These Events on Campus
It’s February, and apart from Valentine’s Day, the month is significant for another celebration – the observance of Black History Month. From February 1 to 29 across the United States, events are held to honor African Americans and their achievements and contributions to the nation.
Broward College is proud to be an institution that serves a diverse population. In 2019, the College was ranked first for the number of associate degrees conferred to African American students by Diverse Issues in Higher Education. African Americans are the second largest group of students at the College, comprising 30 percent of the population.
“Black History Month is not just about African Americans,” explains Dr. Robert Morris, professor of History and Political Science, as he extends an invitation for everyone to take part in the month’s activities. “Even though we are celebrating the achievements of a particular group, this month is about all Americans, regardless of race or ethnicity. It’s an opportunity to come together and honor how we all contribute to shaping the America of today.”
Celebrating Activism
Last year, Dr. Morris was the driving force behind the creation of the Broward College Chapter of the National Association NAACP College Division, which launched with 30 students.
“Bringing the NAACP to our College is incredibly beneficial to our students because we are showing them how to become involved and be a part of the solution to issues they deal with every day,” says Dr. Morris. The organization’s national headquarters will officially recognize the Broward College chapter during a ceremony on February 17. The Chapter will kick start activities for the month on February 4, with a discussion that aligns with this year’s theme “African Americans and the Vote” titled #Vote2020, moderated by Dr. Morris.
Researching History
Another major event for the chapter during Black History Month is the Florida Conference on African American History & Culture (FCAAHC), which will host its inaugural session on February 26 at the Judson A. Samuels South Campus. As Dr. Morris explains it, the goal is to position Broward College as a leader in the research of African American history in South Florida. “We must teach our history to the future generations,” he says.
Each year, a topic is chosen by a committee, and the research gathered focuses on the local history of the African American community. This year, the conference is focusing on the oldest black churches in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Historians and representatives from the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church will attend.
Black History Month Events of Campus
Other college-wide celebrations include film screenings, panel discussions, and art exhibits. South Florida PBS is sponsoring a screening of Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on February 10 at 6 p.m. in North campus’ building 46, room 152 while the Judson A. Samuels South Campus will welcome executive producer Walt Wolfram for a Q&A after the screening of Talking Black in America.
There are also several panel discussions. At the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus, on February 17 at 11 a.m., students are welcome to attend the U.S. census panel discussion, which will take place inside building 17, by Dunkin Donuts.
Renowned poet Ed Mabrey will visit the Judson A. Samuels South Campus activity center on February 6 at 6 p.m., and a writing workshop with Spoken word Exchange will take place on February 18 at 1 p.m. in room 139 of building 66.
For a full list of Black History Month, activities check out the calendars below:
North Campus in Coconut Creek
A. Hugh Adams Central Campus in Davie
Judson A. Samuels Campus in Pembroke Pines
Broward College Takes the Day On – Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through Community Projects
Taking the “day on and not off” for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 20, thousands of volunteers, led by Broward College President, Gregory Adam Haile, honored the memory of the civil rights leader by giving back to the community. This support which has since 2015 seen some 13,000 volunteers providing 66,000 hours of community service, is made possible through the Broward College MLK Day of Service. The MLK Day of Service awarded $120,000 to 29 community organizations to fund initiatives ranging from beautification to education projects that support veterans and low-income populations. Funding is made possible through the Florida Legislature, in partnership with the MLK Day of Service Advisory Board.
Remembering Dr. King
When Congress designated the federal holiday commemorating Dr. King’s life and legacy as a national day of service in 1994, it did so to encourage everyone across the country to take the “day on, not a day off” to celebrate the impact of Dr. King’s teachings.
“Broward College exists to serve this community every day of the year, but today is a bit of a special day,” said President Haile, between volunteering duties. “MLK Day is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference, to enhance the lives of others in our communities, which is exactly what we should all be doing today to honor Dr. King.”
President Haile participated in activities at four of the projects, which included serving food for the homeless at the Mount Nebo Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale, providing recreational activities to special needs children in Lauderdale Lakes, and assembling care packages for Broward county residents at the YMCA South Florida.
Together We Serve
The more of 1,500 participants this year showed the power behind “Together We Serve,” President’s Haile inspiring motto. “One of the things we recognize is that notwithstanding what Broward College has been able to do, we cannot do anything alone. This community is one that’s known for collaboration so ‘Together We Serve’ shows how many organizations can come together in partnership with us to bring service to those who need us most,” he says.
Community partners such as the YMCA are thankful for the help they receive from the College not only on MLK Day but year-round.
“Thanks to Broward College, we are able to provide our residents with care packages,” says Sheryl Woods, president of YMCA South Florida. “Through the outreach work done by our Community Health Department, we were able to identify the need our residents have for personal hygiene and care items and it does really make a difference in their life to address their basic needs.”
For a video recap of the 2020 MLK Day of Service, visit .
Ignite Your Child’s Passion for a Career in STEM – STEMBeez Hosts Interactive STEM Day for Children Across South Florida
Employment in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) has grown 79 percent since 1990, according to a study from the Pew Research Center. And the demand for qualified workers remains high since the latest data was released in 2018, which showed over two million jobs failing to be filled. But even with the high demand and above-average wages, STEM appears to be an out-of-reach career path for many students in low-income communities. “It’s common that kids in these communities are not introduced to STEM in any way, mostly because they can’t afford it” explains Shari Campbell, co-founder of STEMBeez.
Making STEM Accessible and Reachable
Experts say there remains a gap in filling STEM careers as many children lack exposure to STEM from an early age, making it difficult for them to develop an interest in something they don’t even know exists. As part of the effort to make STEM education accessible to low-income communities in South Florida, Broward College will host STEMBeez’s Second Annual STEM Day on January 18 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., a free and family-friendly event with the mission to encourage children to pursue rewarding careers in STEM.
“The greatest goal of STEM Day is to create a bridge for our children to become one of the experts they meet that day when they grow up,” says Campbell.
Through events like this, STEMBeez hopes to bridge the gap and “show the members of the community, both children and their parents, that STEM is accessible, rewarding, and in high demand,” adds Campbell. The inaugural event last year saw an attendance of over 230 children, mostly between the ages of 5 and 13.
What to Look Forward to
With a setup similar to a science fair, the Judson A. Samuels South Campus gymnasium in Pembroke Pines will hold games, music, and interactive activities that include anatomy puzzles, terrarium making, DNA extraction, and much more. “Through these hands-on activities, we are hoping that children will embrace their curiosity, participate, and discover a passion in STEM,” explains Campbell.
It is also an opportunity to promote healthy living and raise awareness about environmental issues. In addition, the College’s Health and Wellness department will host an outdoor relay event to promote fitness and encourage children to engage in socializing and spending more time outdoors.
You can register for this free event through Eventbrite.
Broward College is an equal-opportunity institution that seeks to provide high-quality, low-cost education to the community. The College offers degrees in many high-demand career paths within STEM.
Broward College Students Share Why They Are Thankful for This Thanksgiving
It’s not all about the big, tasty turkey on top of the table surrounded by mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and pumpkin pie. It sure sounds delicious, but Thanksgiving is about expressing gratitude for the past year and often reuniting with family you don’t get to see often.
Our Seahawks are excited to take a few days off from the classroom as they give thanks for their blessings.
Recounting our Blessings
A few days before Thanksgiving, we found students sharing reasons they are thankful. “I am thankful for being healthy and alive. The majority of the time, we take it for granted, and we don’t appreciate how lucky we are to be healthy. We need to be well both physically and mentally to succeed in anything we want to accomplish,” says Karen, a dual-enrollment student on the A. Hugh Adams Central Campus.
Galeira agrees. “I am thankful for being able to pursue post-secondary education at Broward College because it’s giving me the tools I need to pursue any professional path I end up choosing.”
Erica, a Criminal Justice major, is excited to celebrate with her family as they reunite this Thursday. “I love Thanksgiving because it’s the perfect opportunity to see my uncles and cousins, and we all come together as a family. I am thankful for all my family, especially my mom, who is my support, my number one fan.”
Giving Back to Our Community
For a lot of people, being thankful goes beyond words. During Thanksgiving, some people use the opportunity to give back to those who need it the most. If you would like to support one of these initiatives, several community volunteer events take on the mission to show some love and care to members to members of the community that are facing challenges.
In Broward County, HandsOn Broward will be hosting the 2019 Community Thanksgiving Meal, where neighbors and friends who are unable to celebrate with their families come together for a free holiday meal supported by the Florida Community Support Organization. Volunteers are needed to help serve food and support the event. Additional events taking place over the holiday weekend are the Turkey Trot in Tamarac and Fort Lauderdale and United Way’s Happy Harvest Thanksgiving Dinner at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital in Hollywood.
Learn more about volunteering opportunities and community service activities throughout the year. Volunteer with Broward College.
Supporting Veterans Transitioning into Civilian Life
Broward College is the higher education institution of choice for more than a thousand veterans, and as we celebrate Veterans Day, we are proud to honor them. Throughout November, the College is engaging its student veterans through several events.
Veterans Day Celebration Events
In addition to luncheons held on the three main campuses, this year, veterans get their game on with the opportunity to participate in a local basketball or football game.
On November 12, the Miami Heat will host a Military Appreciation game, and Broward College student veterans are invited to attend. The fun continues on November 17, when the College hosts student veterans at the Dolphins’ Military Appreciation game. They will be joined by President Haile and other senior leaders at the College.
And then, it's on to the pomp and pageantry with a special ceremony to recognize graduates who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. This year, for the first time, the College will host a medal ceremony on November 26 at Bailey Hall, to bestow the official graduation medal to those who have met the requirements to graduate this fall. “The medal ceremony is an important gesture to show our veterans that we honor and value their service to our country, and we want them to succeed in their future endeavors,” explains Carlos Parra, district director of Student Affairs. “We used to just give them the medal during the commencement ceremony, but this year, we wanted to find a special way for them to be recognized by fellow students, staff, and faculty and celebrate the significance of the medal.”
Special Resources to Support Our Veteran Community
Veterans Day activities are only one of the ways Broward College recognizes its student veterans. Broward College works hard year-round to offer services to help those who have chosen to pursue their educational goals with us. Among those efforts, this year the College redesigned the Student ID, making a special edition for student veterans, who can use it when visiting any administrative office in the College to receive priority status.
Veterans are eligible for several benefits as it pertains to Financial Aid and other financial resources. There are also employment opportunities available to veterans enrolled in at least nine credit hours per semester, either on or off-campus. During the spring semester, the College hosts resume-builder workshops tailored for Veterans only.
Many veterans find it challenging to transition and apply their knowledge and experience into civilian life, and the Seahawk Outreach Services (S.O.S) is another way the College supports student veterans who are experiencing challenges outside the classroom that jeopardize their ability to succeed in their college journey.
Each main campus has a chapter of the Student Veterans of Americans (SVA) club. By joining, you can build a network with your peers to address any need or concern you may have.
District Student Services provides opportunities to engage beyond the classroom for both personal growth and social interactions. Have an idea for an event or program? Call
Are you a veteran who wishes to work on your educational goals after serving your country? Broward College is here to help you achieve your best self and has a vast pool of resources and opportunities just for you. Learn more here.
BC Pride Week October 7-10
The Office of Student Achievement Initiatives and BCPride present National Coming Out Week at Broward College from October 7-10, 2019. We invite you to join events on campus. National Coming Out Day (NCOD) is an annual LGBT awareness day observed in October.
Activities include: Community Expo, Movie Sessions, Conversations, Art Activities and more.
For more information about BC Pride visit: https://www.broward.edu/studentresources/Pride/Pages/default.aspx
