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IRSC Alumni Association Winter 2012River ReviewNews and information for IRSC AlumniIRSC Works to MeetIRSCworks toMeet CareAmerica’sHealthAmerica’sHealthNeeds: PAGE3 CareNeeds: PAGE 3IRSC Branches Out with New STEM CenterWilliam and Helen ThomasScience, Technology,Engineering and Math(STEM) Centerat the IRSCSt. Lucie West CampusCurrently under construction at theIRSC St. Lucie West Campus, theWilliam and Helen Thomas Science,Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics(STEM) Center is scheduled for completion inlate 2012. Our region’s continuing economicdevelopment as the Research Coast hinges onproviding students with a world-class educationto produce the highest caliber of scientists,technologists, engineers, and mathematicians.These biotech professionals will remain in ourcommunities, advancing the area’s employmentrate and economic development.With its location in the hub of the region’sIgrowing biotechnology corridor, the IRSC St.Lucie West Campus provides a strong academicfocus through Dual Enrollment, Associate andBaccalaureate Degree programs. The Campusis ideally positioned to equip secondaryand postsecondary students with the STEMknowledge and skills needed for the 21st Centuryworkforce. The three-story, 56,000 squarefoot STEM Center will house seven uniquelaboratories in genetics, ecology, biochemistry,molecular/microbiology, cell/physiology, andzoology.IRSC is committed to providing studentswith state-of-the-art equipment that will meetor exceed what they will find in their futureworkplaces. The IRSC Foundation is currentlyseeking private support through a 1 millionSTEM Center capital campaign. Gifts at anylevel are greatly appreciated and will be usedfor technology and equipment in classroomsand labs. Naming Opportunities are availableat irscfoundation.org. To learn more, pleasecontact the IRSC Foundation at 772-462-4786or info@irscfoundation.org. We look to ourPioneer Alumni to keep the College movingforward. Please consider a gift in support ofthis important initiative. Thank You!IRSC RANKED IN TOP PUBLIC REGIONAL COLLEGES — U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORTndian River State College has been rankedas the 12th top public regional college in theSouthern United States by the U.S. News &World Report’s 2012 rankings of Best Colleges.More than 1,600 colleges and universities areranked annually based on 16 measures of quality,including student/faculty ratio, average classsize, faculty credentials, and student success.“This recognition by U.S. News & World Reportconfirms that IRSC’s emphasis on instructionalinnovation is helping our students achieve theirgoals and reinforces the College’s reputationfor quality education,” said IRSC PresidentDr. Edwin R. Massey.IRSC was ranked in the regional college category,which includes colleges that focus primarilyon teaching and undergraduate education.The ranking data reflect the College’scommitment to excellence in teaching.The U.S. News & World Report ranking isthe latest of recent national recognitions forIRSC. In July, CNN Money rated IRSC as thethird most affordable college in the countrybased on data from the U.S. Department ofEducation.

2 Alumni Winter 2012ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT:LIEUTENANT COLONEL CURTIS W. CARLINIS PRIDE OF THE MARINES AND OF IRSCAs IRSC prepares for the upcoming NJCAASwimming and Diving Championshipswe’re pleased to highlight an IRSC Alumnusand former All-American diver, Lt. Col. Curtis W.Carlin. A native of Brandon, FLorida and proudPioneer Alumnus, Carlin was on the winning IRSCDiving Team for the Pioneers in 1990 and 1991.Today Carlin serves as the Commanding OfficerLieutenant ColonelCurtis W. Carlinof the Marine Corps Security Force Battalion inBangor, Washington, a command of 1,000 Marinesand Sailors whose mission is to guard our nation’s strategic weaponsand submarines.He earned an Associate Degree (1991) from the College and went onto receive a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Florida and was amember of the Marine Corps Officer Selection Office. Upon graduationfrom UF, he was soon commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant and steadilymoved up in rank. In 2005, he was selected to attend the Marine CorpsCommand and Staff College where he completed his Masters in MilitaryScience. Lt. Col. Carlin has served in many positions for the MarineCorps and in numerous countries including Afghanistan and Iraq.He and his wife Mitzi have four children Alicia (15), Sammie (13),John (12), and Nicholas (10).The Carlin family “river trekking” in Okinawa JapanWe recently had the opportunity to ask Lt. Col. How did your time at IRSC prepare you for yourCarlin some questions about his time at IRSC. future academic and professional pursuits?It taught me how to reach my physical limits andWhat brought you to IRSC?push beyond — both physically and mentally.I started diving in 9th grade and really enjoyed The three-per-day workouts in the Florida heatthe physical aspect of training and the challenge made my Marine Corps training seem like a walkof learning new dives. Coach Tina Hart in the park! I have travelled to countries all oversuggested I consider attending IRSC due to its Asia and the Middle East and the way I deal withacademic and athletic excellence.different cultures has a foundation in my IRSCtime. Additionally, I know the study habits learnedWhat awards and recognition did you earn at at IRSC carried me through my time at UF as wellIRSC?as the first year of schooling in the Marine Corps.During my first year I was named a divingLT. COL. CARLIN’S PERSONAL AWARDS:All-American and was awarded an athleticscholarship. My second year, I received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal Meritorious Service Medal with gold starPresident’s Scholarship, was selected to be a Joint Service Commendation Medalcaptain on the Swimming and Diving team Navy and Marine Corps CommendationMedal with gold starand again earned All-American status. I also Joint Service Achievement Medalwas named to “Who’s Who in American Junior Navy and Marine Corps Achievement MedalColleges.”What was the most significant aspect of theIRSC Swimming & Diving program?Dr. Tina Hart is an amazing person who helpedme achieve more and challenged me to becomea better person. As my coach, she showed methe strength of the mind. She cared for me asa diver but more as a person. I use many of thelessons I learned from her with my own familyand my Marines and sailors today.What advice do you have for IRSC students orwords to fellow Pioneer Alumni?To current or future students — there are anumber of reasons why you may attend IRSC,but take every opportunity to be involved andlearn from the quality staff and fellow students.To Alumni — for those professors, staff, fellowstudents and teammates, I say thank you forbeing part of two great years of my life at “TheRiver”.

Alumni Winter 2012 3IRSC — Working to MeetAmerica’s Health Care NeedsEach Alumni Newsletter now features a department within IRSC inorder to highlight the program areas as well as outstanding faculty,students, awards and achievements. In this issue we are proud tobring you information and updates on the Health Science Department.It is safe to say that health care has been a major topic of discussion in theUnited States for the last century. Health care is and has been a centralelement of every fraction of the American economy since the early 1900sand today the industry is one of the largest in America, providing 14.3million jobs. Ten of the 20 fastest growing occupations are healthcarerelated, which include careers such as: registered nursing growing by20%, home health aide by 30%, medical assisting by 29%, and health caremanagement by 17% per Economic Modeling Specialists Corporation.All of these high demand career programs are offered at IRSC.Forecasters from the Bureau of Labor Market Statistics predict thathealthcare will generate 3.2 million new wage and salary jobs by 2018,more than any other industry, largely in response to rapid growth in theelderly population. The students in IRSC’s 25 health science programswill graduate with the skills needed to fill these future positions.

4 Alumni Winter 2012Surgical Technologists — Heroes You Never SeeIndian River State College offers a one yearSurgical Technology program, headed by KathyGelety R.N., CNOR, CST. Recommendedpractices for both the registered nurse andthe CST’s role for invasive procedures areguided by the American College of Surgeonsand other professional organizations. IRSC’sprogram has developed a close relationshipwith this and the Association of SurgicalTechnology (AST), to be a leader in quality ofcare education for surgical services.The areas for employment opportunities areexpanding and according to the EconomicModeling Specialists Corporation, by 2019the Treasure Coast will see a 21% growthin the job market for CSTsSurgical technologist assisting with operating room instruments.Of the 25 different Health Scienceprograms that IRSC offers, manyare well known to the generalcommunity. Here we focus on one programthat is extremely important to the success ofany healthcare team but may not be as wellknown to the general public — the CertifiedSurgical Technologist (CST).If you have ever been in surgery and placedunder anesthesia you probably did notget a chance to meet this key player of theoperating room team. Also called scrubs andsurgical or operating room technicians, theseprofessionals assist in surgical operationsunder the supervision of surgeons, registerednurses, or other surgical personnel.IRSC HEALTH SCIENCE FACULTY LEADS IN EFFORTTO HELP START LIBERIA CLINICTMary Sirmons with President Johnson-Sirleaf and staff.hree years ago, Mary Sirmons, R.N.,IRSC LPN Department Chair, wascontacted by Mr. Jerome Gayman, aLiberian academician and social worker, tobecome involved with creating a clinic inGrand Bassa County, Liberia. In 2008, Ms.Sirmons, and other key members of the clinicalplanning committee presented their plans toLiberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. TheHealth Center is expected to be constructedin the northern part of Grand Bassa Countybordering Bong and Nimba counties. Thislocation will cater to the inhabitants of thethree counties, especially the residents in themost remote portions of the country.Ms. Sirmons has also spearheaded apartnership with the Grand Bassa Associationto create a program called “Train the Trainer”.This program will give scholarship fundingto students with the agreement that upon thecompletion of the program these trained nurseswill serve as Traveling Nurses to deliver muchneeded health care in rural areas of GrandBassa County.