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Two FSW Employees Recognized with NISOD Awards

Two FSW Employees Recognized with NISOD Awards Feb 1, 2017 FEBRUARY 1, 2017 – PUNTA GORDA, FLA. – Two Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) faculty and staff members have been named winners of the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development (NISOD) Award. The two winners are Judith Sweeney, nursing professor, and Wendy Morris, instructional assistant. NISOD’s Excellence Awards recognize men and women each year who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment and contribution to their students and colleagues. FSW students and employees submit nominations for their professors and colleagues for this award based on teaching and learning practices that encourage student achievement. “I am beyond words,” said Sweeney. “It is an honor to receive the NISOD Award of Excellence for faculty. The best part of this award was that it came from the students. I was truly amazed at their comments and how much I have impacted their lives. Our nursing students are our future, and I am blessed to be a part of it.” “I am very proud to have been chosen for the NISOD Excellence Award,” said Morris. “Hearing the kind and generous words from our nursing students and my colleagues was motivating and inspiring. It is extremely rewarding to be of assistance to the students and to help them achieve their goals.” “The NISOD Excellence Awards gives our students, faculty and staff the opportunity to recognize those college employees that go above and beyond their everyday duties in guiding our students to the ultimate goal of graduation,” said Dr. Jeff Stewart, FSW provost and vice president, Academic Affairs. “It is always heartwarming to read the nominations and to see the effect the nominees have on others at the college.” In 1989, in connection with a University of Texas at Austin national study of teaching excellence, NISOD hosted its first ceremony honoring NISOD Excellence Award recipients. It has since become the largest and most inspiring gathering that recognizes the contributions and achievements of community and technical college faculty, administrators, and staff. This year’s recipients will be recognized during NISOD’s International Conference on Teaching and Leadership Excellence in May. About NISOD: For community and technical colleges that want to make the most of their professional development dollars, NISOD provides budget-friendly, high-quality, and faculty-focused programs and resources. For nearly 40 years, NISOD’s customer-focused approach has helped align our wide array of benefits with the needs of our members. For more information about NISOD, visit www.nisod.org. ##### 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: February 1, 2017 Back to News Archives

FSW School of Education and School of Health Professions Receive $300,000 for Student Scholarships from Schulze Family Founda

FSW School of Education and School of Health Professions Receive $300,000 for Student Scholarships from Schulze Family Foundation Jan 17, 2017 JANUARY 17, 2017 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Schulze Family Foundation recently presented a $300,000 gift to the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Foundation for student scholarships. The funds will be divided equally between the School of Education and the School of Health Professions. Scholarships will be awarded to students in the Early Childhood Education program and the Nursing program over the next three years. “We are honored to receive this gift on behalf of future teachers and nurses that will serve our community for decades to come. We are proud to partner with the Schulze Family Foundation in their efforts to invest in public service professionals,” said Dr. Louis Traina, FSW Vice President, Institutional Advancement and Executive Director, FSW Foundation. FSW will use the scholarship funds to augment federal aid, state grants, and other resources students typically receive to pay for their educations, maximizing the number of students who receive scholarship dollars to increase the number of students graduating from FSW debt-free. “The School of Education Early Childhood Education program seeks to match public with private dollars to impact as many students as possible,” said Dr. Larry Miller, dean, School of Education. “The funds will first support students who have received partial scholarships from state grants, doubling the number of students served. We will then award scholarships to high-performing students currently enrolled in our program, and we will use the scholarship to recruit high-performing high school seniors interested in becoming Early Childhood Educators.” The Nursing RN to BSN program within the School of Health Professions will use the scholarship to fund associate degree nursing graduates who return for the bachelor’s degree after passing the NCLEX-RN Examination and earning a Florida Registered Nurse license. “This scholarship will support and motivate students to immediately continue their advanced education in nursing before other life events and financial responsibilities happens,” said Dr. Marie Collins, dean, School of Health Professions. “The generous funding from the Schulze Family Foundation, will cover the full tuition costs for over 40 nursing students to complete the 30 credit hour BSN program. We will allocate all scholarship funds to high performing students who are admitted and actively enrolled in the program.” “The Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation recognizes the importance and value in helping students achieve their post-secondary dreams, in a cost-effective manner,” said Mary Beth Geier, Florida Region Coordinator, Schulze Family Foundation. “The scholarships provided through FSW for high-performing students in the fields of Early Childhood Education and Nursing will assist in achieving that goal. We also understand the importance to the community to have highly skilled employees in these valuable and fast-growing job markets. FSW does a wonderful job teaching and training students for the work-force and we are pleased to be able to work in collaboration with them to help students achieve success and make our community a stronger place to live.” About the 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. #### 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: January 17, 2017 Back to News Archives

FSW’s Hendry/Glades Education Hall Progressing

FSW’s Hendry/Glades Education Hall Progressing Jan 13, 2017 January 13, 2017 – LaBelle, FLA – Florida SouthWestern State (FSW) Hendry/Glades Curtis Center will soon have its new Education Hall ready for students, faculty, staff and the community. Construction is on schedule for completion by late February of the approximately 7,200 square-foot building. The $1.6M building is being funded through private donations. “This building further emphasizes our commitment to the heartland of Florida. We serve hundreds of students each year so they can make their career dreams a reality,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, FSW President. “Its design encourages even more interaction between students and faculty, and offers space to welcome community events.” Education Hall will feature the Barbara and Joe Marlin Hilliard Library, which also includes three study rooms; the First Bank Community Room for community meetings and events; The Perry Family Galleria (Julia Perry, Tommy Perry, Stanley Perry, Carl Perry); a computer lab/classroom, six faculty offices and a patio plaza. Naming opportunities are available, including for the entire building and the computer lab/classroom. More information is available by calling (239) 489-9210 or foundation@fsw.edu. Last Updated: January 13, 2017 Back to News Archives

FSW Foundation Director Earns Designation

FSW Foundation Director Earns Designation Sep 22, 2017 Joe Kramp, Senior Director of Development for the FSW Foundation, has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) certification. “What I enjoyed about earning this certification is enhancing my knowledge and expertise when it comes to helping my donors. I like working with them to realize how their desire to help not only has a long-lasting impact, but is also satisfying for them,” he said. CAP® holders “become members of a growing network of top planners who are working to make our towns and cities better places to live for generations to come. Courses provide an insight into the process of philanthropic planning, including, but not limited to, tax, tools and techniques.” “The study and dedication needed to earn the CAP® requires a true commitment of time,” said Susan DeSantis, Assistant Vice President, Institutional Advancement, and Executive Director, FSW Foundation. “Joe demonstrates a high level of care. He takes the time to get to know his donors so that he can assist them in directing their generosity for the best possible use and impact.” The FSW Foundation’s Legacy Society is one way that donors can fulfill their wishes to help others. A commitment of $10,000 or more qualifies a donor for the FSW Legacy Society. The donor gets his or her name on the leaf of a beautiful tree that is proudly displayed in the Rush Gallery. Certain Legacy gifts can also benefit from opportunities that provide income, tax shelters and other financial advantages. Last Updated: September 22, 2017 Back to News Archives

“Family Math Night” at FSW Makes Learning Math Fun!

“Family Math Night” at FSW Makes Learning Math Fun! Sep 21, 2017 SEPTEMBER 21, 2017 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Learn how fun math can be at “Family Math Night” on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 5:45-7:30 p.m., in Building U, Room 102, at the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Thomas Edison Campus, 8099 College Parkway. This free, family-oriented event for students in pre-kindergarten to fifth grade features fun math games created by teacher candidates in FSW’s School of Education, demonstrating how mathematics doesn’t only need to be something you use at school. “Learning mathematics can often be intimidating to students,” said JoAnne Devine, professor of Elementary Education at FSW. “We are happy to show young students and their families that math can be fun!” While the event is open to anyone interested in exploring mathematics, students are encouraged to register. To register or for more information, contact JoAnne Devine at jdevine1@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: September 21, 2017 Back to News Archives

Florida SouthWestern State College Hosts Pop-Up Adventure Play

Florida SouthWestern State College Hosts Pop-Up Adventure Play Sep 26, 2017 SEPTEMBER 26, 2017 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) School of Education will host Pop-Up Adventure Play from 1-4 p.m., on Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Practice Field (across from the Lockmiller Child Care Center) on the FSW Thomas Edison Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. Pop-Up Adventure Play is free and open to children of all ages. “At Pop-Up Play, children are invited to play however they wish with everyday materials that can be used in many different ways, such as cardboard boxes, paper towel tubes and art materials,” said Dr. Julia Kroeker, professor of Early Childhood Education at FSW. “These materials are open-ended and have limitless possibilities; a box could be a racecar, a castle or a slide.” “Child-directed play has numerous benefits for children in all areas of development, including fostering problem-solving and communication skills, physical development, creativity and more,” Dr. Kroeker said. “When children choose what and how to play, they are motivated by their own interests to learn and grow.” For more information or to pre-register, contact Dr. Kroeker at (239) 489-9382 or email Popupplay.fsw@gmail.com. #### 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: September 26, 2017 Back to News Archives

Collegiate Institute Gives Students Chance to Earn Both High School Diploma and College Degree

Collegiate Institute Gives Students Chance to Earn Both High School Diploma and College Degree Sep 18, 2017 SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 – CLEWISTON, FLA. – For 47 Clewiston High School students this fall, the first day of class wasn’t just the start of a new year in high school. It was the first step along the road to earning a college degree. Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) has partnered with Clewiston High School to create the Collegiate Institute at Clewiston High School, which provides dual enrollment courses to juniors and seniors attending Clewiston High School. The Collegiate Institute is a first-of-its-kind program for FSW and Clewiston High School. While FSW provides dual enrollment for local high school students at all four college locations, the distance from Clewiston High School to any FSW location can make travel difficult for students. “FSW designs the curriculum and provides the faculty, and college tutoring staff from the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center travel to Clewiston High School to provide tutoring services,” said Amanda Lehrian, director, FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center. “This gives these students much easier access to college-level classes without ever leaving the high school.” “This is a dream come true for us,” said Clewiston High School Principal Roberto Sanchez-Deleon. “Clewiston has been at a huge disadvantage because of the distance to the FSW Hendry/Glades Curtis Center in LaBelle. Now the culture of our school has changed. We’ve become more scholar-oriented, and we have a greater focus on college acceptance and career readiness. Even our ninth- and 10th-grade students and their parents have a clearer focus on what they need to do be eligible for dual enrollment early on.” This year’s inaugural class is made up of 31 juniors and 16 seniors. The juniors will be the first class with the opportunity to graduate as seniors with both their high school diploma and an associate in arts degree from FSW, and this year’s seniors will have completed between eight to 10 college classes that will count toward finishing their degree at FSW or can be transferred to other colleges. To accommodate the program, Clewiston High School has designated three classrooms and keeps the library open throughout the day. Students follow a typical college schedule, attending Monday/Wednesday and Tuesday/Thursday classes. When they are not in class, they spend 10-15 hours a week in the library where they study, complete assignments and work in groups. “We are a school within a school,” said Jose Roquett, administrator, Collegiate Academy. “While Clewiston High School has a large number of students, Collegiate Institute students will stay together in a small group setting, attend classes, eat lunch and study together.” “We are home-growing college-educated students,” said Paul Puletti, superintendent of schools, Hendry County. “The program can potentially generate up to 50 students a year who earn their associates in arts degree and will increase the number of students going on to earn a four-year degree. We anticipate that many will return to serve our community, hopefully becoming teachers or finding more opportunities in agriculture, creating a positive economic impact on the city of Clewiston and the county.” For more information about the program, contact Amanda Lehrian at (863) 674-6010 or Jose Roquett at (863) 983-1520, extension 206. ##### 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: September 18, 2017 Back to News Archives

Parfitt to Speak at NaBITA Conference

Parfitt to Speak at NaBITA Conference Sep 18, 2017 Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Director of Public Safety, Rick Parfitt, will be speaking during the National Behavior Intervention Team Association (NaBITA) Conference in November in San Antonio, Texas. Parfitt will present “Marketing Safety on Campus: What’s Important to Know and How to Get This Information to Our Community.” “In addition to the community policing we do and sessions we host to educate our students, faculty and staff about campus safety, it’s also important to effectively communicate internally and externally,” said Parfitt. He most recently presented during the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) Marketing and Communications Commission’s The Great 28 Conference held in July at FSW. Last Updated: September 18, 2017 Back to News Archives

James & Barbara Moore Observatory at FSW Opens for 2017-2018 Season

James & Barbara Moore Observatory at FSW Opens for 2017-2018 Season Aug 29, 2017 AUGUST 29, 2017 – PUNTA GORDA, FLA – The James & Barbara Moore Observatory located on the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda, opens for the 2017-2018 season on Friday, Sept. 15. Observation sessions are held on the third Friday of each month and begin 30-45 minutes after dark, outdoors and weather permitting. Sessions are free and open to the public. Schedule of Observatory Viewing Sessions for 2017-2018: Sept. 15, 2017 Oct. 20, 2017 Nov. 17, 2017 Dec. 15, 2017 Jan. 19, 2018 Feb. 16, 2018 March 16, 2018 April 20, 2018 May 18, 2018 Additional observation sessions may be scheduled or changed depending on celestial events. For more information or for a full schedule of observatory events, call (941) 637-3518 or (941) 637-5652, or visit https://www.fsw.edu/charlotte/observatory. #### 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: August 29, 2017 Back to News Archives

Enjoy an Evening of Poetry with Erika Meitner at FSW

Enjoy an Evening of Poetry with Erika Meitner at FSW Sep 5, 2017 SEPTEMBER 5, 2017 – FORT MYERS, FLA – Poet Erika Meitner will hold a book signing and reading at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 6, in Building J, Room 103 (Rush Auditorium), at the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Thomas Edison Campus, 8099 College Parkway, Fort Myers. The event is free and open to the public. Meitner is the author of “Inventory at the All-Night Drugstore” (Anhinga Press, 2003), “Makeshift Instructions for Vigilant Girls” (Anhinga Press, 2011), and “Ideal Cities” (Harper Perennial, 2010), which was a 2009 National Poetry series winner. Her fourth book of poems, “Copia,” was published by BOA Editions in 2014. Meitner’s poems have been anthologized widely, and have appeared in Ploughshares, Virginia Quarterly Review, The New York Times Magazine, The New Republic, Tin House, and elsewhere. Her books are currently available to purchase at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus Bookstore. Meitner has received fellowships from the Wisconsin Institute for Creative Writing, the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Blue Mountain Center, and The MacDowell Colony, and she was a 2014-15 US-UK Fulbright Scholar in Creative Writing at the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry at Queen’s University Belfast. Meitner is currently an associate professor of English at Virginia Tech, where she directs the MFA program in Creative Writing. This project is presented by The Florida Literary Arts Coalition and FSW Writes, a FSW faculty group that plans writing events for FSW students, employees and the public. For more information, contact Dr. Scott Ortolano, professor, English, at (239) 489-9472 or sortolano@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: September 5, 2017 Back to News Archives

Expand Your Thinking with FSW’s Critical Thinking Lectures Series in September

Expand Your Thinking with FSW’s Critical Thinking Lectures Series in September Aug 22, 2017 AUGUST 22, 2017 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) will host a series of guest speakers in September as part of its Critical Thinking Lecture Series. These community leaders will discuss how they use critical thinking skills in their profession or focus on critical topics from their area of career or academic interest. Through the series, participants will learn more about careers of interest while also applying critical thinking to the topics presented. Presentations can be viewed live on the Thomas Edison Campus or digitally at all other FSW locations. The series is free and open to the public. The September schedule is as follows: “Critical Thinking in Higher Education” with FSW President Dr. Jeff Allbritten Wednesday, Sept. 6, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Campus Locations - Thomas Edison Campus: Building U-102; Charlotte Campus: Building O-117; Collier Campus: Building A-103; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: Building A-106 “Put On Your Thinking Cap: Six Hats for Better Decision Making” with FSW First Year Experience Professor Dr. Mary Myers Tuesday, Sept. 12, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Campus Locations - Thomas Edison Campus: Building AA-177; Charlotte Campus: Building E-105; Collier Campus: Building M-201; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: Building A-114 “Critical Issues in Law Enforcement: Past, Present, and Future” with Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Diggs and Lee County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Carmine Marceno Monday, Sept. 18, 2-3 p.m. Campus Locations - Thomas Edison Campus: Building AA-177; Charlotte Campus: Building 0-117; Collier Campus: Building M-201; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: Building A-106 “Risk Free, Reward Free: Take the Path Less Traveled” with Chauncey Goss, founder and managing partner of Goss Practical Solutions Thursday, Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-noon Campus Locations - Thomas Edison Campus: Building AA-177; Charlotte Campus: Building 0-117; Collier Campus: Building M-201; Hendry/Glades Curtis Center: Building A-114 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: August 22, 2017 Back to News Archives

Doupe Joins FSW Foundation

Doupe Joins FSW Foundation Jul 10, 2017 Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Foundation has announced that Meredith Nassif Doupe as joined as a Director of Development based on the FSW Collier Campus. Her responsibilities include raising gifts and building relations with strategic partners. Doupe earned her Master of Social Work, Washington University, St. Louis with a specialization in Non-Profit Management and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, University of Miami. Prior to joining FSW, she served as the Director of the Frances Pew Hayes Center for Lifelong Learning at Hodges University and Care Manager for My Care Manager. In both positions, she was successful advancing the lives of members and developing relations with community leaders. She brings a proven track record of success which will be invaluable in meeting FSW Foundation goals and objectives. Doupe is a community volunteer and served as a member of the Collier County Bar Foundation Board, Greater Naples Delta Gamma Alumnae Board, and currently volunteers at Pelican Marsh Elementary School. Last Updated: July 10, 2017 Back to News Archives

View the Solar Eclipse at the FSW James & Barbara Moore Observatory

View the Solar Eclipse at the FSW James & Barbara Moore Observatory Jul 31, 2017 JULY 31, 2017 – PUNTA GORDA, FLA – Skygazers can enjoy a solar eclipse-viewing experience from 1:30-4 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 21, at the James & Barbara Moore Observatory located on the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. The viewing is free and open to the public. The solar eclipse will take place on Monday, Aug. 21, from 1:18 p.m. – 4:14 p.m., peaking at 83.3 percent coverage at 2:50 p.m. “We will have three or four telescopes with proper filters available for use and limited eyeglass filters, so we are encouraging participants to bring their own certified eclipse glasses or hand-held solar viewers,” said David Hanson, Observatory Director. Safety tips for viewing the solar eclipse and how to purchase certified eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers can be found on the NASA website at https://eclipse2017.nasa.gov/safety. “Even if people can't make it to the observatory, they should try to see what's happening,” Hanson said. “The view is the same from anywhere in the state, but proper safety filters are required wherever you are located.” Beginning in September 2017, the James & Barbara Moore Observatory will be open to the public the third Friday of each month. Observation sessions typically begin about 30-45 minutes after dark. For more information or for a full schedule of observatory events, call (941) 637-5652 or visit https://www.fsw.edu/charlotte/observatory. #### 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: July 31, 2017 Back to News Archives

FSW Screens Film “Food Chains,” Hosts Discussion with CIW

FSW Screens Film “Food Chains,” Hosts Discussion with CIW Oct 27, 2015 OCTOBER 27, 2015 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – The Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Diversity Alliance will host a special screening of the film "Food Chains" featuring Eva Longoria and Eric Schlosser, from 3:30-5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 17, Building J, Room 103, at the FSW Thomas Edison Campus in Fort Myers. The film explores the history and current issues affecting Florida’s farmworkers and takes a look at where food comes from in Florida. Following the screening, a discussion will be held with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW). A trailer of the film can be viewed online at bit.ly/foodchainstrailer. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Dr. Eileen DeLuca, Associate Vice President, Academic Affairs, at (239) 985-3498. #### 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: October 27, 2015 Back to News Archives

FSW Receives $1 Million Gift from SWFL Children’s Charities

FSW Receives $1 Million Gift from SWFL Children’s Charities Oct 21, 2015 SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., signed a $1 million pledge to Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) to benefit the School of Health Professions. The gift may be used to purchase equipment, technology, software and advanced training, or to award scholarships to qualifying students. The $1 million gift is payable in five annual installments of $200,000 beginning in June 2016. The contribution is raised through SWFL Children’s Charities’ annual signature event: the Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest. In recognition of the pledge and past donations, the simulation center at FSW will now be called the Southwest Florida Children’s Charities Simulation Center. The School of Health Professions offers simulation education to help students gain skills and confidence for real-world patient care scenarios. Specifically, FSW has used previous funds donated by SWFL Children’s Charities to purchase a birthing mother and newborn simulator, a pediatric simulator, a mechanical ventilator for practice skills on pediatric patients and an x-ray machine for pediatric patients treated at the Dental Hygiene Clinic. “The need for work-ready health care professionals is growing exponentially in the Southwest Florida community, and this contribution from SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. will further enable our college to continue equipping students for success in this industry,” said Dr. Jeff Allbritten, president of FSW. “We are grateful to SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. for its dedication to pediatric healthcare. This organization’s generosity means our students will have exceptional training so when they graduate, they will make an immediate and positive impact for the medical needs of our region’s youth.” “At SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc., our mission is to positively impact the health and lives of children, and we believe that there is no better place to start than with future healthcare professionals,” said Dave Copham, trustee and member of the board of directors, SWFL Children’s Charities, Inc. “Our support begins with the dedicated individuals that will be caring for Southwest Florida children in medical settings, and strengthening healthcare programs like FSW’s will ensure that these children will receive the most advanced care from a team of well-trained medical professionals.” The Southwest Florida Wine & Food Fest has raised nearly $15 million over the past seven years, making it the most successful fundraising event in Lee County and one of the top-grossing wine fests in the country. The Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is the primary beneficiary of the event, which also lends support to educational programs at Florida SouthWestern State College and Florida Gulf Coast University. For more information, visit www.swflwinefest.org. Last Updated: October 21, 2015 Back to News Archives

Poet to Speak at FSW Charlotte Campus

Poet to Speak at FSW Charlotte Campus Oct 21, 2015 OCTOBER 21, 2015 – PUNTA GORDA, FLA – The Peace River Center for Writers presents a reading and book signing by poet Gerry LaFemina at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 4, in the Building O auditorium at the Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Charlotte Campus, 26300 Airport Rd., Punta Gorda. The reading is open to the public. LaFemina's five full-length collections of poetry include The Parakeets of Brooklyn, which received the 2003 Bordighera Prize and was published in a bilingual edition of English and Italian. He is also the author of two collections of prose poems. His collection of short stories, Proofreading America, came out in 2009, and The Vanishing Horizon, a collection of poems, came out in 2010. A noted writer, editor and teacher, LaFemina was nominated for the Michigan Governor's Arts Educator of the Year award in 2000, served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Writers and Writing Programs (AWP), has received numerous awards for his work, including a Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs grant and an Pushcart Prize. Peace River Center for Writers members can also attend a poetry composition class with LaFemina from 3-4 p.m. in Building D, Room 203, prior to the reading. For more information, contact John Pelot, FSW English professor, at jpelot@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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: October 21, 2015 Back to News Archives

FSW Dean Receives $10,000 Grant for Educational Research

FSW Dean Receives $10,000 Grant for Educational Research Oct 19, 2015 OCTOBER 19, 2015 – FORT MYERS, FLA. – Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) School of Education Dean Dr. Lawrence Miller along with The Center for Innovation in Education at the University of Kentucky were recently awarded a $10,000 grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The grant will provide funding for Dr. Miller and the Center to continue an ongoing research project focused on developing new finance policies and resource allocation strategies that would accelerate student-centered learning in secondary school and better integrate technology into the core curriculum. “Student-centered or personalized learning meets students where they are and lets them accelerate at their own pace,” Dr. Miller said. “It also provides more ways for students to demonstrate their subject-related competency rather than with just tests. These potential new finance policies and strategies would help unlock extra money in ways that would better support personalized learning, allowing for more opportunities for students to succeed.” Currently, Dr. Miller and the Center are working with seven sites in Kentucky and New Hampshire to pilot these models, providing research and policy information to state and district officials. He anticipates the long-term initiative will continue on for several years and will involve more states in the future. #### 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 will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in January 2016. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information. Last Updated: October 19, 2015 Back to News Archives

Results

Two FSW Employees Recognized with NISOD Awards

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2507

FSW School of Education and School of Health Professions Receive $300,000 for Student Scholarships from Schulze Family Founda

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2505

FSW’s Hendry/Glades Education Hall Progressing

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2499

FSW Foundation Director Earns Designation

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2638

“Family Math Night” at FSW Makes Learning Math Fun!

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2634

Florida SouthWestern State College Hosts Pop-Up Adventure Play

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2640

Collegiate Institute Gives Students Chance to Earn Both High School Diploma and College Degree

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2632

Parfitt to Speak at NaBITA Conference

https://www.fsw.edu/news/detail/2622