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Investors’ Security Trust Named Title Sponsor for Holiday Sparkle

Investors’ Security Trust Named Title Sponsor for Holiday Sparkle Jul 27, 2018 The sparkle of fashion is even brighter as Investors’ Security Trust has been named the title sponsor for the FSW Foundation Mina Edison Society® Holiday Sparkle. The fashion event for men and women is from 6- 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 on the college’s Fort Myers campus. Proceeds will benefit the Mina Edison Society® academic scholarship fund. “Investors’ Security Trust shares our passion for providing academic scholarships for our students so they can realize their career dreams,” said Victoria Stephan, Director of Development, FSW Foundation. “Their generosity in supporting the Holiday Sparkle event is yet another way they demonstrate their commitment to the southwest Florida community.” The honorary chairs of this event are Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery Allbritten. Mina Edison Society® is a network of influential women providing leadership, mentoring and scholarships to students of Florida SouthWestern State College. Founded in 2007, the Mina Edison Society continues today, demonstrating the philanthropic and entrepreneurial values of Fort Myers’ matriarch, Mina Edison. For more information contact www.FSWMinaEdisonSociety.com,or call 239-489-9210. The Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation currently has professionally managed endowments and other funds approaching $45 million that allow it to support the work of the college. The Foundation provides nearly $1M annually in student scholarships and investments in programs, technology and facilities to benefit the nearly 22,000 students the college serves each year. To underwrite and expand the mission of the college the FSW Foundation continues to attract contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses and private foundations. As a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization with 50 years of successful operating experience, the FSW Foundation offers the opportunity to establish endowed funds which ensure the impact of a donor’s contribution lives on in perpetuity. About Investors’ Security Trust: Investors’ Security Trust is an independent Southwest Florida wealth management company that deliver strategies designed to build, preserve and transfer wealth for clients and their families. IST’s team of legal, investment, and trust and estate planning professionals partner with attorneys, tax professionals and banking professionals to provide a full range of fiduciary services. Last Updated: July 27, 2018 Back to News Archives

Events Calendar

FSW Partnership Secures $300,000 Grant for Herc Rentals Inc.

FSW Partnership Secures $300,000 Grant for Herc Rentals Inc. Jul 18, 2018 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), the State Fiscal Agent for Quick Response Training (QRT) grants, has secured a $300,000 grant for Herc Rentals Inc. “This grant provides the funding necessary to train up to 150 new hires for the company,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, vice president, economic development and external affairs, FSW. “That’s more jobs for our southwest Florida region.” Herc Holdings Inc., which operates through its Herc Rentals Inc. subsidiary, is one of the leading equipment rental suppliers with approximately 275 locations, principally in North America. Its corporate headquarters is located in Bonita Springs, Fla. The company has approximately 4,900 employees. Herc Holdings’ 2017 total revenues were approximately $1.75 billion. This is the second QRT awarded to Herc Rentals in the last two years. Florida SouthWestern State College is the State Fiscal Agent for Quick Response Training (QRT) grants in southwest Florida by working closely with the state of Florida Economic Development Office. FSW has been successful in securing $2.6M in QRT funds to train over 1,400 new hires since July 1, 2017. This funding not only directly benefits the companies receiving training funds, but also results in a local economic benefit through the multiplier effect. Since 2013, FSW has secured $12M in QRT funding to train over 6,800 new hires. The QRT grant lasts for one year and is targeted on the highly customized training programs that companies need to improve the transferable skill base of new hires. These programs can be instructed by FSW faculty and consultants or by specialists from the company itself. More information is available by contacting Adrian Kerr, FSW’s Director of Corporate Training and Services, at 239-432-5233 or email: adrian.kerr@fsw.edu Last Updated: July 18, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Faculty and Students Host Critical Thinking Lecture Series Presentations in July

FSW Faculty and Students Host Critical Thinking Lecture Series Presentations in July Jun 26, 2018 JUNE 26, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Critical Thinking Lecture Series at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) returns this July with two lectures presented by FSW faculty and students. The Critical Thinking Lecture Series is free and open to the public. Presentations can be viewed live on the Thomas Edison Campus or digitally at other FSW locations. “Identifying and Acknowledging Subconscious Biases” with Dr. Mary Ellen Schultz, professor, School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, FSW Tuesday, July 10, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. FSW Campus Locations - Thomas Edison Campus: Building U-102; Charlotte Campus: Building O-117; Collier Campus: Building M-201 Dr. Schultz earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies from California Polytechnic State University, and her master's degree in education with a focus on bilingual education from Columbia University. She earned her Doctorate of Philosophy in Education with an emphasis on English as a second language from North Central University. Dr. Schultz has a passion for people and spent several years volunteering with the Peace Corps in Costa Rica. Currently, Dr. Schultz serves as a full-time professor for the Division of Academic Success in the School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science at FSW. This year, Dr. Schultz presented at the national conference on First-Year Experience and the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development. "Gaining a New Perspective: Italy Through Our Eyes" with FSW study abroad students Wednesday, July 18, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. FSW Campus Locations - Thomas Edison Campus: Building U-102, Collier Campus: M-201, Charlotte Campus: O-117 Learn about the experiences of 10 FSW students who studied abroad in Florence, Italy in June. FSW students took classes focused on the Italian language, art history, the ancient roots of Florence, architecture, marketing, and Italian cuisine at Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici. For more information on the FSW Critical Thinking Lecture Series, contact Whitney Rhyne, director, Strategic Initiatives, at (239) 433-6943 or Whitney.Rhyne@fsw.edu. ##### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: June 26, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Names Giaimo Director of Public Safety

FSW Names Giaimo Director of Public Safety Jun 25, 2018 – Anthony “Tony” Giaimo has been named the Director of Public Safety for Florida SouthWestern State College. “Tony brings a wealth of experience to FSW,” said Dr. Gina Doeble, vice president, administrative services. “He has demonstrated a strong belief in community service and has an extensive career in law enforcement, and safety and emergency management.” His career in law enforcement spans 27 years, and he has been a college instructor for 10 years. He most recently was the superintendent of police for the Tredyffrin Township Police Department in Pennsylvania for 27 years. He has also taught criminal justice/sociology and emergency medical techniques for police officers. He graduated from Temple University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting/law; Mountain State University with a master’s degree in strategic leadership; and the FBI National Academy with a diploma and certifications in behavioral science, terrorism, management and criminal justice. He has been honored with numerous awards in his career, including Police Officer of the Year, the Safe Cities Award in 2016, the Board of Supervisors Award and the Life Saving Program Award. He is also a member of numerous professional organizations. Last Updated: June 25, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Collegiate High School-Lee Graduates Earn Over $7M in Scholarships

FSW Collegiate High School-Lee Graduates Earn Over $7M in Scholarships Jun 7, 2018 The Class of 2018 at Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School – Lee, collectively earned over $7.1M in scholarships. Additionally, over 70 percent of the graduates had already earned their Associate in Arts degree from Florida SouthWestern State College during commencement on May 4. “We emphasize STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) in an independent learning process for our students,” said Dr. Brian Botts, Principal, Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School – Lee. “Those skills are especially beneficial for their junior and senior years, when they are full-time college students at FSW.” Of the 86 graduates, 62 earned their Associate in Arts degree from FSW on May 4 before receiving their high school diploma during their commencement at Suncoast Credit Union Arena at FSW on May 5. Some of the universities and colleges these graduates will be attending include University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, Stetson University, Florida Southern College, Embry-Riddle University, Florida Polytechnic University, FGCU and FSW. FSWC-Lee provides a dynamic STEM focused learning environment that is dedicated to creating and sustaining the independent learning process with a focus on helping students construct knowledge through projects, hands on activities, and academic debate/discussion. An integral part of the school’s mission is to connect qualified and motivated students to maximizing their college dual enrollment options. For more information about Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Lee County, visit http://www.fsw.edu/wp/lchs/. Students enjoy small class sizes and individualized attention as FSWC since the school has a maximum of 436 students in grades 9 through 12. Last Updated: June 7, 2018 Back to News Archives

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Holds Information Sessions at FSW

Physical Therapist Assistant Program Holds Information Sessions at FSW Jun 27, 2018 JUNE 27, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – The Physical Therapist Assistant program at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will hold a series of informational sessions this summer at all four FSW locations. Under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, physical therapist assistants work closely with people of all age groups who have a wide range of physical problems including musculoskeletal orthopedic injuries, stroke, head trauma and pediatric developmental delay. Working one-on-one with the patient, physical therapist assistants help to restore their physical function, manage pain, prevent further injury, and implement fitness programs for a healthy lifestyle. Students will learn how to deliver individualized hands on techniques, exercise programs, and treatments with modalities such as electrical stimulation and ultrasound. The public is welcome to attend any of the information sessions below: Tuesday, July 10, 5:30-6:30 p.m., at the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center in LaBelle, Building A, Room 117 Thursday, July 12, 11 a.m.-noon, at the FSW Charlotte Campus in Punta Gorda, Building E, Room 105 Wednesday, July 25, 4-5 p.m., at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus in Fort Myers, Building A, Room 215 Thursday, July 26, 11 a.m.-noon, at the FSW Collier Campus in Naples, Building M, Room 201 The Physical Therapist Assistant program is offered by Broward College (BC) through a partnership with FSW. Classes at both sites participate in all lecture classes together through live interactive video conferencing with the FSW students located at the Fort Myers campus. All lab sessions and clinical practicums are managed by the individual sites with a full-time program manager located at FSW who serves as a liaison between the sites. Program degrees are conferred by BC. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). A licensing examination is required upon completion of the two-year associate degree program and the Physical Therapist Assistant shall be eligible for an appropriate membership category in the American Physical Therapy Association. For more information, contact Jodi Gootkin, program manager, at (239) 489-9494, Jodi.Gootkin@fsw.edu, or visit www.fsw.edu/academics/programs/asphysicaltherapistassistant. #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: June 27, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Secures $524,000 Employee Training Grant for Cheney Brothers

FSW Secures $524,000 Employee Training Grant for Cheney Brothers Jun 21, 2018 What can a growing and successful company like Cheney Brothers do with a $524,000 grant? Hire and train onsite up to 330 new employees. Cheney Brothers, in partnership with Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), has been awarded that $524,000 grant. “Our partnership with FSW furthers our commitment to building our local workforce by attracting and training the employees we need to continue growing and expanding,” said Shane Simmons, President of Cheney Brothers in Punta Gorda. “We are deeply committed to being a vital part of the communities we serve. Our employees work here, live here, and raise families here.” “We are proud of this partnership and the results our corporate training center at FSW brings to our region’s business economy. Cheney Brothers is a well-established and successful company, that with this grant now has the funding necessary to train and expand our region’s workforce with up to 330 new hires,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, vice president, economic development and external affairs, FSW. “These new employees will receive training that ranges from logistics to management and supervision positions. These are the type of positive, economic driving companies that these grants are designed to help take their success to the next level. In turn that helps our economy.” Cheney Brothers, Inc. began its family business in 1925. From humble beginnings in West Palm Beach with one truck delivering eggs, milk and butter, Cheney Brothers has grown into one of the largest broadline food & beverage service distributors across the Southeast. Cheney Brothers presently employees over 2,500 people in Florida with yearly sales exceeding $2 billion. Their export services extend to over 80 countries worldwide, including the Caribbean and Latin America. Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) administers the Quick Response Training (QRT) grants in southwest Florida by working closely with the state of Florida Economic Development Office. FSW has been successful in securing $2.6M in QRT funds to train over 1,400 new hires since July 1, 2017. This funding not only directly benefits the companies receiving training funds, but also results in a benefit to the local economy through increased jobs and increased wages. Since 2013, FSW has secured over $12M in QRT funding to train over 6,800 new hires. The QRT grant lasts for one year and is targeted on the highly customized training programs that companies need to improve the transferable skill base of new hires. These programs can be instructed by FSW faculty and consultants or by specialists from the company itself. More information is available by contacting Adrian Kerr, FSW’s Director of Corporate Training and Services, at 239-432-5233 or email: adrian.kerr@fsw.edu Last Updated: June 21, 2018 Back to News Archives

Enterprise Holdings Grants $5K for FSW Student Veteran Scholarships

Enterprise Holdings Grants $5K for FSW Student Veteran Scholarships Jun 26, 2018 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Foundation received a $5,000 grant from Enterprise Holdings Foundation. The grant is directed for scholarships for the college’s student veterans. This is the third year that Enterprise has donated to FSW for this purpose. “We take special pride in assisting our veteran students, who have served his great country. This grant helps them to achieve their educational and career goals,” said Susie DeSantis, Executive Director, FSW Foundation. “Enterprise Holdings Foundation is a wonderful example of corporate generosity in the community, and how this grant makes a lasting, positive impact on our veteran students.” “These students sacrificed to serve our country, and we want to show our appreciation for that when they return home and continue their education. A deep part of our culture centers on our special affinity for our military veterans,” said Kayla Cramer, Talent Acquisition Manager, Enterprise Holdings. From day one, members of the military have played an important role in the history and culture of Enterprise. After all, founder Jack Taylor was a decorated fighter pilot in WWII. He started his business with a big dream and the military values that would become the foundation of Enterprise—both then and now. The Taylor family has continued to honor the leadership and vision that Jack instilled over half a century ago by playing a very active role in offering veterans and their families the support and training they need to be successful. Last Updated: June 26, 2018 Back to News Archives

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Awards FSW Collegiate High School-Lee $30,000 Grant to Advance STEM Education

Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Awards FSW Collegiate High School-Lee $30,000 Grant to Advance STEM Education Jun 21, 2018 JUNE 21, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Florida SouthWestern State College Collegiate High School-Lee, (FSWC-Lee) was recently awarded a $30,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation (RMSFF). The grant funds will be used to advance project-based learning opportunities in STEM education for ninth- and 10th-grade FSWC-Lee students. “The purpose of FSWC-Lee’s engineering lab is to provide students with an opportunity to synthesize the learning they do in the classroom using a hands-on, project-based, collaborative curriculum,” said Dr. Brian Botts, FSWC-Lee principal. “While we have the facility and faculty to provide this course to our students, the cost of equipment, supplies, and materials can put a damper on the ambitious nature of our faculty and students.” This is the second year the RMSFF has awarded FSWC-Lee with the grant. Last year, a $27,500 grant allowed for 223 students to participate in grant-funded activities every single school day in their engineering class. “Thanks to the RMSFF, we were able to acquire the tools and supplies needed to allow all of our students to construct their own video game controllers from scratch, build and code sophisticated robots, and integrate and solder electronic circuit boards,” Dr. Botts said. “We look forward to now expanding more activities into our ninth grade class. Student exposure to these types of experiences improves their chances of being accepted by competitive STEM baccalaureate and graduate programs.” About the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation: The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation began its work in 2004 with the charge from its founder to support transformational change for the benefit of mankind. The Foundation has consistently directed its primary efforts and resources toward matters of importance in human & social services, education, and health & medicine. It continues to do so today with a focus on investments that produce specific and measurable outcomes with a geographic emphasis on the Twin Cities (Minnesota) seven-county metropolitan area and Lee and Collier counties in Florida. In all of its activities, the foundation embraces its founder’s beliefs in the value of innovation and in improving the lives of middle- and working-class families. #### FSWC-Lee provides a dynamic STEM focused learning environment that is dedicated to creating and sustaining the independent learning process with a focus on helping students construct knowledge through projects, hands on activities, and academic debate/discussion. An integral part of the school’s mission is to connect qualified and motivated students to maximizing their college dual enrollment options. For more information about Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School Lee County, visit http://www.fsw.edu/wp/lchs/. Students enjoy small class sizes and individualized attention as FSWC since the school has a maximum of 436 students in grades 9 through 12. Last Updated: June 21, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Charter School Governing Board Meeting June 28

FSW Charter School Governing Board Meeting June 28 Jun 6, 2018 Following the regular FSW Board of Trustees meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 at the Hendry/Glades Curtis Center, there will be a FSW Charter School Governing Board Meeting. Last Updated: June 6, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW College High School-Charlotte Graduates Earn Over $2M in Scholarships

FSW College High School-Charlotte Graduates Earn Over $2M in Scholarships Jun 4, 2018 For over 70 percent of the graduates of Florida SouthWestern College High School - Charlotte, that stroll across the stage on May 18 wasn’t their first. When they crossed the stage in the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center, 57 of the 79 graduates had already participated in Florida SouthWestern State College’s commencement ceremony on May 4 for their Associate in Arts degree. “Part of our mission is to provide that path for our students to simultaneously earn a two-year college degree, and their high school diploma,” said Matthew Cantazarite, Principal, FSW Collegiate High School – Charlotte. “By earning their AA degree at FSW, our students have a head start in completing a bachelor’s degree.” The Class of 2018 also collectively earned over $2.3M in scholarships to continue their education. Some of the universities that these students are attending include: University of South Florida, FSW, FGCU, University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, Florida Atlantic University, Unity College, University of Tampa, University of Pittsburgh and Ringling School of Art and Design. Last Updated: June 4, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Secures Significant Training Grant for Arthrex

FSW Secures Significant Training Grant for Arthrex May 16, 2018 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW), the State Fiscal Agent for Quick Response Training (QRT) grants, has secured a significant grant for Arthrex to train 269 new hires. “This is a significant grant for Arthrex and our region,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, regional vice president economic and community development, FSW. “The funds will be used for proprietary supervisory and management training.” Arthrex is an orthopedic medical device company, and a leader in product development, medical education and a pioneer in arthroscopy, having developed thousands of products and surgical procedures in orthopedic medicine worldwide. The company’s corporate headquarters is located in Naples, Florida, with global divisions in Munich, Germany and Singapore. It also has several subsidiaries and distribution centers throughout the Eastern and Western Hemispheres. “Arthrex is very appreciative of our partnership with Florida SouthWestern State College and the state of Florida. The grant supports Arthrex’s continued growth and investment in southwest Florida,” said Kathy Sparrow, Senior Vice President of Human Resources for Arthrex. Florida SouthWestern State College is the State Fiscal Agent for Quick Response Training (QRT) grants in southwest Florida. This is the second QRT grant awarded to Arthrex in the last two years. By working closely with CareerSource Florida in Tallahassee, and FSW’s School of Business and Technology (SOBT), FSW has been successful in securing $2.4M in QRT funds to train over 1,300 new hires since July 1, 2017. This funding not only directly benefits the companies receiving training funds, but also results in a local economic benefit through the multiplier effect. Since 2013, FSW has secured $12M in QRT funding. The QRT grant lasts for one year and is targeted on the highly customized training programs that companies need to improve the skill base of new hires. These programs can be instructed by specialists from the company itself or by a one of the SOBT's extensive portfolio of private and internal subject matter experts. Last Updated: May 16, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Proposes Course Fee Changes for 2018-2019

FSW Proposes Course Fee Changes for 2018-2019 Jun 1, 2018 Each year, Florida SouthWestern State College conducts an assessment of the courses offered and the associated fees. For the 2018-2019 academic year, the proposal for fees must be brought to the college’s Board of Trustees for review and vote. The FSW Board of Trustees meeting is scheduled at 3 p.m. on Thursday, June 28 at the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center in LaBelle. A total of 34 course fees were adjusted, with a total dollar savings to the student body of just under $27,000. The list of courses and associated fees is available at: https://www.fsw.edu/assets/pdf/adminservices/coursefeechanges/CourseFeeChangesFY19.pdf Last Updated: June 1, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Student Accepted to MIT Women’s Technology Program

FSW Student Accepted to MIT Women’s Technology Program May 11, 2018 Summer vacation. Students are counting down the days. For FSW student Elizabeth Swiersz, that countdown is for a different reason. She is one of only 40 women to be accepted to the Women’s Technology Program in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (WTP-EECS) held at MIT this summer. There were 696 applicants nationally for those 40 coveted spots. The ones selected have demonstrated outstanding academic talent in math and science. “I like problem-solving because it’s very fulfilling to me,” said Swiersz. “I’m very interested in the either civil engineering or architecture.” She’s a junior at FSW’s Lee Collegiate High School, the only STEM accredited charter school in the state, and a full-time dual-enrolled student at FSW. “It’s wonderful to see Elizabeth take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dr. Martin McClinton, Dean, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, FSW. “The goal of this program is to further encourage women to pursue careers in the math and science areas.” “We emphasize science and engineering at the high school to all of our students,” said Dr. Brian Botts, principal, FSW Collegiate High School, Lee. “Our students learn to conduct research, use technology, communicate and work collaboratively, and demonstrate critical and creative thinking. These skills, and others that students like Elizabeth learn, serves to help them take full advantages of opportunities like the WTP-EECS program.” About WTP-EECS The MIT Women's Technology Program in EECS (WTP-EECS) is a rigorous, fast-paced four-week academic and residential experience where female high school students explore electrical engineering, computer science, and mathematics for EECS through hands-on classes, labs, and team-based projects in the summer after 11th grade. Since WTP-EECS was launched in 2002, 626 students have attended and over 64% of WTP-EECS alumnae have chosen college majors in engineering or computer science. Another 21% have majored in science or mathematics, with the remaining 11% in a variety of fields. Last Updated: May 11, 2018 Back to News Archives

Risk and Counsel Director to Speak at National Conference

Risk and Counsel Director to Speak at National Conference May 11, 2018 Susan Marcy, Florida SouthWestern State College’s Director of Risk and Counsel, will be presenting at the annual conference of the National Association of College and University Attorneys in Minneapolis June 24-27. She will join fellow attorneys Daniel J. McNulty of Carnegie Mellon University and Chris J. Melcher, of Augusta University to lead a discussion group entitled “Outwit, Outlast, Outplay: A Group Strategy Session on Surviving Campus Contracts.“ The session will offer attorneys in higher education with practical insight and advice for creating and negotiating contracts in higher education. The Association has more than 1,800 institutional campus members and 4,500 attorney representatives. The annual conference is the highlight of the Association’s educational offerings with more than 1700 attendees at last year’s conference. Last Updated: May 11, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Mathematics Professor Aids in Donating Computers to the University of Zimbabwe

FSW Mathematics Professor Aids in Donating Computers to the University of Zimbabwe May 15, 2018 MAY 15, 2018 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) mathematics department recently donated 30 of its computers to the University of Zimbabwe’s (UZ) mathematics department. The donation was initiated by FSW Mathematics Professor, Dr. Douglas Magomo, who attended and earned his master’s degree from UZ. “FSW was in the process of upgrading our computers to newer models, and I had just learned that UZ was still using the same computers it had when I attended in the 1990s,” Dr. Magomo said. “I reached out to our School of Pure and Applied Sciences Dean, Dr. Martin McClinton, and the FSW Information Technology (IT) department to ask if the computers could be donated, and they agreed.” Before the computers could be donated, FSW’s IT team wiped the hard drives of all data and reimaged them so that UZ could install the software they needed. “FSW’s staff and faculty PCs are replaced every four years, and our student and classroom PCs are replaced every seven years,” said Jason Dudley, FSW chief information officer. “In most cases, we use a recycler if we can’t find a use for the older computers. Thankfully, along with UZ, we have recently been able to find other institutions in need that can use our computers to further their educational programs.” “Prior to the computer donations, all of our undergraduate math courses that required the use of computers were being taught in other departments,” said Dr. Gift Muchatibaya, UZ mathematics department coordinator. “This meant that our students had limited access to computers since they had to share the lab with students from other university programs. We are proud to say that we now have our own lab because of FSW’s generosity. We have since installed packages such as Matlab, Mathematica and Maple to the machines, and this has made teaching of most of our courses such as numerical methods, fluid dynamics and mathematical modeling a lot easier for faculty and students.” “Having a functional lab has also helped in that most of our students can’t afford personal computers or the relevant software packages because of the current economic situation,” Dr. Muchatibaya said. “The impact this donation has had as far as our research and teaching activities in our department is enormous and we, the UZ community, are grateful.” In addition to coordinating the donations, Dr. Magomo also covered the shipping costs out of his own pocket, and he is currently gathering more computers for a second round of donations. “In these days of the internet, these machines can be used for many things, but most importantly they enhance education and connect people to the outside world,” Dr. Magomo said. “This is not just a need for UZ, but for the entire country of Zimbabwe.” #### Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving nearly 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: May 15, 2018 Back to News Archives

Callaghan Named Assistant VP at FSW

Callaghan Named Assistant VP at FSW May 14, 2018 Keith Callaghan has been named the Assistant Vice President for Economic Development and External Affairs for Florida SouthWestern State College. “Keith is a great addition to our college, and he brings a wealth of experience in the areas of raising community awareness and financial support,” said Dr. Robert R. Jones, Vice President, Economic Development and External Affairs at FSW. In his role, Callaghan will be responsible for community outreach and economic development efforts for the college, with a focus on Charlotte County. Prior to joining FSW, he was the community liaison for Lee Health Foundation and Golisano Children’s Hospital. His Florida career also includes development director positions with Edison State College (now FSW), Florida Gulf Coast University, and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. He is involved with many local charities and serves on the boards of the Fred Lang Foundation, Charlotte Behavioral Health Care, the Boys and Girls Club of Charlotte County, Crossroads Hope Academy, the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and the Visual Arts Center Endowment Trust. He has served as a mentor in the Take Stock in Children program and volunteers for the Animal Welfare League, United Way and Leadership Charlotte (Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce). He also has served on the Charlotte County Community Health Improvement Partnership and School Health Advisory committees. Last Updated: May 14, 2018 Back to News Archives

FSW Concert Series Launches April 10

FSW Concert Series Launches April 10 Mar 20, 2018 Spring is in the air – and so is music! The Florida SouthWestern State College Orchestra and Choir will be performing a special memorial concert to honor the legacy and memory of the college’s second president, Dr. David Robinson. The concert is at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10 at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW. While the concert is free and open to the public, attendees are welcome to make contributions to the Robinson Scholarship Fund, which supports FSW music students. Entitled the “Dr. David Robinson Memorial Concert,” this performance honors the college’s late second president, who led the college from 1965 to his retirement in 1991. He passed away in 2016. Joe Kramp, senior development director, FSW Foundation, said “Dr. Robinson was a huge fan of the arts. It’s a great way to continue his legacy for generations to come.” For more information about the Robinson Scholarship Fund, please call 239-432-6778. Last Updated: March 20, 2018 Back to News Archives