McKenna Joins the Southwest Florida College Tampa Campus as Director of Industry Relations and Graduate Placement

Janis McKenna

Tampa, Fla., (May 26, 2011) – An accomplished career and staffing recruiter with over 25 years of experience in the higher education industry, has been named the Tampa Director of Industry Relations and Graduate Placement for Southwest Florida College. In her new position, Janis McKenna will lead the business relationship building and graduate placement activities for the Tampa Campus of Southwest Florida College. 

“Janis McKenna will strengthen our Industry Relations and Graduate Placement initiative in the Tampa metro market, said Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College. “Her skills, relationships and direct experience will translate into strong employer relationships and enhanced opportunities for our college graduates. Her work will enhance our ability to be a College Listening to Employers.” 

McKenna began her recruiting career as a Corporate Technical Recruiter with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. She has worked in Career Services for Manatee Community College, (now the State College of Florida), in Bradenton, Fla., and she was the Director of Career Services at Florida Metropolitan University Online, which is now Everest University Online.

For 10 years, McKenna was active in the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA), which is a non-profit organization whose mission is to raise money for college scholarships for women. She was recognized by ABWA as “Women of the Year” at their national conference. She has also been active in the Florida Career Professionals Association (FCPA). 

McKenna has earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Argosy University in Sarasota, Fla. and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management with a concentration in Human Resources Management from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich.

With a passion in helping others achieve their career goals and dreams, McKenna expressed that for her, “there is no greater joy than watching a student walk across the stage at commencement, and assisting the student in obtaining their first professional position after graduation.”

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Contact: Diana Sabino 

Director of Marketing Communications 

Website: www.swfc.edu 

E-Mail: info@swfc.edu

###

Southwest Florida College, Tampa Campus, Holds 37th Commencement Ceremony

Graduation Ceremony will take place Thursday, June 16, 2011 at The Tampa Theatre.

Mr. Gilbert T. Gonzalez

Tampa, Fla., (May 25, 2011) – A self-made entrepreneur whose career has been dedicated to changing the way small disadvantaged technology solutions businesses are perceived by Government contracting organizations and large national contractors, will accept an honorary degree and deliver the commencement address to 191 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and diplomas at Southwest Florida College’s 37th commencement exercise, planned for Thursday, June 16 at The Tampa Theatre.

Gilbert T. Gonzalez will deliver the Commencement Address and will also receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Humane Letters. Gonzalez is the President and Founder of Mission Critical Solutions and leads the company’s overall strategic direction. His depth and breadth of experience in designing IP-Converged Technology and IT/telecommunications mission critical solutions for commercial, military, and other Federal, state and local government clients has resulted in the fastest-growing privately owned technology firm in the Tampa Bay area for four years running.

In 2000, Gonzalez led Mission Critical Solutions to become a certified minority owned 8(a) small disadvantaged business (SDB) as well as a certified HUBZone business. Mission Critical Solutions was a finalist in 2004 and 2005 for the for the Greater Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year and in 2005, Gonzalez was named the Small Business Person of the Year for Florida by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

In addition to leading a full-time staff of over 230 with branch and project offices located throughout the country, Gonzalez has published both software and case studies related to the fields of Strategic Management and Business Policy. He holds both the Low-Voltage Specialty Electrical Contractor (ES) and an Unlimited Electrical Contractor (EC) licenses for Mission Critical Solutions.

The Tampa native holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Management of Information Systems (MIS) and Economics from University of South Florida (USF), graduating with Honors and is a frequently requested lecturer at business forums.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 5,200 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as health care, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. This year’s ceremony will be held at 6 p.m., Thursday, June 16 at The Tampa Theatre. For more information on the event and directions to The Tampa Theatre, please call (813) 630-4401 or visit swfc.edu.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call 813-630-4401 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Contact: Diana Sabino
Director of Marketing Communications
Website: www.swfc.edu
E-Mail: info@swfc.edu

###

Southwest Florida College Holds 37th Commencement Ceremony

Graduation Ceremony will take place Saturday, June 18, 2010 at Harborside Event Center.

Fort Myers, Fla., (May 24, 2011) – A national leader in medical radiation therapy and doctor of radiation oncology committed to growing corporate employment and fueling jobs in the regional economy will accept an honorary degree from Southwest Florida College. A local business leader known for his service as a Florida House of Representatives member will deliver the commencement address to 726 students receiving bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and diplomas at Southwest Florida College’s 37th commencement exercise, planned for Saturday, June 18 at Harborside Event Center.

Dr. Daniel E. Dosoretz, M.D.

“We believe this year’s honorary degree recipient reflects the values of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice,” said Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College. “Our honoree and our commencement speaker are each outstanding community leaders and role models for our aspiring students and graduates.”

Dr. Daniel E. Dosoretz, M.D., of 21st Century Oncology will receive an Honorary Doctorate Degree. Dr. Dosoretz is board certified in Therapeutic Radiology by the American Board of Radiology and trained in Radiation Oncology at the Department of Radiation Medicine at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, where he was selected Chief Resident of the department. Upon his Board Certification, he became an attending physician at the Massachusetts General Hospital. He also was an instructor and Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Research Fellow of the American Cancer Society. Recently his company with nearly 100 centers across the United States announced its intention to grow regional corporate employment to 400 persons in the Southwest Florida region.

Rep. Gary Aubuchon

Representative Gary Aubuchon is President of the Aubuchon Team of Companies and was selected by the Speaker of the Florida House to serve as Chairman of the Rules and Calendar Council and Vice Chairman of the Select Committee on Government Reorganization. Aubuchon’s leadership skills and management competency have distinguished him in the Southwest Florida business community. His experience as an entrepreneur began as a one person, home-based real estate business. Under his leadership, it has developed into a diversified real estate and construction enterprise with nearly 100 employees and agents. Aubuchon has been awarded Cape Coral’s Citizen of the Year for his contributions to Southwest Florida community and Lee County’s Humanitarian of the Year. Aubuchon has demonstrated that hard work and perseverance can turn dreams into realities and therefore sets a strong example for the Southwest Florida College graduating class of 2011.

Since the College was founded in 1974, approximately 5,200 students have graduated with degrees, diplomas and certificates in career fields such as health care, legal studies, education, business, design and information technology – all of which offer high growth potential. This year’s ceremony will be held at 10a.m., Saturday, June 18 at Harborside Event Center. There will be a reception to follow for the guest speaker and honorary degree recipient. For more information on the event and directions to Harborside Event Center, please call (239) 939-4766.

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call 239-939-4766 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Phone: 239-939-4766
Website: www.swfc.edu
E-Mail: info@swfc.edu

###

Accounting is now available fully online!

Great news! The Associate’s Degree in Accounting is now available fully online! To find out more, visit http://www.swfc.edu/ or call 1-888-279-2342 today!
Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC is proud to be a member of HDI.

Southwest Florida College has joined the leaders in IT Service and Technical Support Community and is pleased to be a Silver Level Member of HDI. Find out more about HDI by clicking here: http://www.thinkhdi.com/

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College donates pencils to elementary schools

Patriot Elementary School students Ty Crews, MaryAnn Connolly, Charlae Boswell, Nathan Avery and Connor Thurman sit around a table full of 1,062 pencils that were donated by the Education Club of Southwest Florida College. Also pictured Education Club Secretary Debbie Trembley, Education Club Vice President Donna Lauricella and Communication Director Stacy Hernandez.

The Education Club from Southwest Florida College donated more than 1,000 pencils to Patriot Elementary School Friday afternoon, just in time for the fourth and fifth grade students to use for the FCAT test on April 11. For more details, visit the complete article as published in the Cape Coral Daily Breeze on April 4th, 2011.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Congratulations to these Information Technology Students at SWFC!

Congratulations to David Schmidt who passed the A+ Essentials and Larry Theil who passed the Net + Certification Exams!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Information Technology Students earn their Certifications

Congratulations to these Information Technology students that have received their Certifications after taking classes at SWFC:

Frank Rhoades: A+ Practical Applications and A+ Essentials
Wendy Davis: Network +, Security +
Douglas Little: A+ Practical Applications and A+ Essentials and Network +
Jeffrey Norris: A+ Practical Applications and A+ Essentials and Network +
Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

MOVIE NIGHT AT SWFC!!! THURSDAY, MARCH 31ST, 6-9 PM

Hello Students! This is Mr. Maestre, your Director of Education, inviting you and your family and friends to come to main campus and enjoy a free night at the movies!
The best part about this event is that you can make a difference for the ACT Shelter of Lee County and Barbara's Kids at Lee Memorial Hospital! Didn't get a ticket yet? It's O.K., you can get your tickets at the door! Just bring a donation off the list for each ticket you need and enjoy the movie! I hope to see all current and new SWFC students and faculty at Movie Night!

HERE IS HOW “MOVIE NIGHT” WORKS:
1. Mark the date – Thursday March 31st from 6-9 pm.
2. Gather a few items from your home to share with those less fortunate (see the list).
3. Bring some spare change for popcorn and sodas.
4. Pick the movie you would like to see.
5. Go to the LRC and ask for your tickets.
6. Pack up the boyfriend, girlfriend, BFF, children, wife, husband or anyone else that needs a cheap night out.
7. Be at the college on time and enjoy a relaxing evening without the books.
8. ENJOY THE “BROWNIE POINTS” YOU HAVE EARNED FROM THE LOVED ONES FOR A FUN EVENING!
TO MAKE THE EVENING EVEN MORE INTERESTING THERE WILL BE A CONTEST WITH PRIZES FOR THE BEST COSTUMES FROM EACH OF THE MOVIES!!!!

Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Inc.
The following donations would be greatly appreciated by the women and children being housed in the shelters:

Pillows*
Pillow Cases
Hand Towels
Twin Sheets
Shampoo (regular size)
Conditioner (regular size)
Toothbrushes
$10 gift cards (Wal-mart, etc.)

Toothpaste (regular size)
Ethnic Hair Care Products
Canned Goods (beans, vegetables, fruits)
Diapers (size 4,5,6)*
Children’s snacks
Children’s juices
Meats
Bus Passes



*There is an urgent need for these items













Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Congratulations Education Club Officers!

Southwest Florida College Education Club Officers reached their goal to put a pencil in every child’s hand at two local Title 1 elementary schools!

Southwest Florida College Education Club Officers will be making a donation of pencils in time for use with the FCAT to Patriot Elementary and Colonial Elementary on Friday, April 1. The Education Club had a goal to sell enough candy bars in order to profit enough funds to purchase pencils for at least two local Title 1 schools. The members of the Southwest Florida Education Club who are responsible for the donations are: Stacy Hernandez, Donna Lauricella, Jennifer Lee, Kalina Arter, and Debbie Trembley.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

It's OFFICIAL!!! SWFC Bachelor of Education Programs are State Approved!

Have you ever been interested in being part of a career that focuses on making a positive change in the future? Are you a life-long learner? Now is the time for you to take that challenge and enroll in the Bachelors of Elementary (K-6) with ESOL endorsement program or the Bachelors of Early Childhood Education (Ages 3-Grade 3)with ESOL endorsement at SWFC! Our programs are now State of Florida approved by the Florida Bureau of Educator Recruitment. Just click on the link below for more information and make sure to come by and see Ms. Wahoff at the Fort Myers campus for more information regarding these rewarding programs being offered.

http://www.fldoe.org/profdev/approval.asp

Current Education students, tell us how much your are enjoying your experiences! I would really love to hear from you all!

Sincerely,
Mr. Manny Maestre






Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

I.T. Students.....Ms. Cohen (Program Manager for Information Technology) would love to hear your opinion regarding a new and exciting software...

Have you looked into the new Adobe Wallaby Beta Software? This exciting new software turns Flash into HTML5. What do SWFC I.T. students think about it? Let us hear from you!




Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Young Professionals Host: "How to Get What You Want & Look Good Doing It"

The Young Professionals (YP) of the Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will host the “How to Get What You Want & Look Good Doing It” seminar from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 30 at Bonita Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. Topics include: how to ask for a raise, career selection, goal setting, transitioning, job seeking, career development and professional etiquette. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $5 for YP members and $10 for nonmembers.

To make reservations or for more information, visit:

http://www.bonitaspringschamber.com/

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

See what sets Southwest Florida College apart at the Bonita Springs Campus Grand Opening!

If you have ever thought about training for a new career in Criminal Justice, Interior Design, Business or Information Technology, then we have just the event to get you started!

Join us on Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM as Southwest Florida College celebrates the grand opening of its newest campus in Bonita Springs.

Southwest Florida College is not your average career college and by attending the grand opening, you’ll see exactly why. As a “College that listens to employers,” Southwest Florida College’s advisory boards of over 200 local business leaders help advise us on what’s in demand in the career fields of the future. Come learn what’s in store for leading careers in 2011 and beyond!

You can try your hand at working a crime scene, lifting a fingerprint or collecting a simulated blood sample. Find out the latest trends in color and design for the New Year, learn about green design and how to stage a home for sale. There will be personal financial and career planning sessions as well as a home entertainment technology demonstration. And if that’s not enough, you can meet with program managers and instructors in the fields of business, computer technology, computer aided drafting and design and more!

Bring the whole family! There will be lots of food, refreshments and door prizes along with free Child ID and fingerprinting kits!

You won’t want to miss this event! Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM at the new Bonita Springs campus, 24311 Walden Center Drive in Bonita Springs. For more information call 1-888-526-7973 or email info@swfc.edu.

There’s never been a better time to experience your future and see where training from Southwest Florida College can take you!

About Southwest Florida College: Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973, email info@swfc.edu or visit http://www.swfc.edu/ .

###

Stephen Tirey joins Southwest Florida College

“A College Listening to Employers” – it’s not just a slogan, it’s the underlying philosophy of who we are and why we are here. Graduate placement and employer relations are a high priority for the College and today we have taken a major step in demonstrating how important those core values really are. Throughout the coming year, we will commit human and capital resources to expand and improve our graduate placement activity and our relationships with business, industrial, and political leaders.

Stephen Tirey, former CEO and President of The Chamber of Southwest Florida, has joined the College as Director of Industry Partnerships and Graduate Placement. Tirey has served as the CEO of the chamber since 1989 and has worked with many business and political leaders throughout the state and the nation in an effort to improve the economic climate of Southwest Florida and to make it a better place to work, live and conduct business.

In his new role, Tirey will concentrate on pulling together all of the College’s graduate placement activities into a single, cohesive and organized endeavor. A visionary and strategic thinker, Steve will be working with the College’s Advisory Boards and our faculty as together they transition our educational programs into competency based education to achieve defined employer-mandated outcomes. Mr. Tirey will assist the College in obtaining strategic industry partners, employer endorsements for every program of instruction, expanding externships and cooperative education, and the development of an active alumni network.

The College is a major stakeholder in Southwest Florida. Steve’s experience will help us identify new program opportunities that will, among other things, serve as a magnet to attract new business and industry to the area. We intend to leverage his experiences and skill sets to benefit our students, our graduates, the College and the community as a whole.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College, Bonita Springs Ribbon Cutting



Southwest Florida College, Bonita Springs Campus ribbon cutting ceremony held on Janurary 12, 2011.

Included from left to right are: Linda Petersen, Program Manager of Interior Design;
Dr. Barbara Calabro, Chief Academic Officer; Ben L. Nelson, Mayor of Bonita Springs;
Christina Ross, President of Bonita Springs Chamber of Commerce; Patti Dennis, Campus Administrator;
and Dr. Stephen Calabro, President of Southwest Florida College.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

See what sets Southwest Florida College apart at the Bonita Springs Campus Grand Opening!

Bonita Springs, Fla. – If you have ever thought about training for a new career in Criminal Justice, Interior Design, Business or Information Technology, then we have just the event to get you started!

Join us on Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM as Southwest Florida College celebrates the grand opening of its newest campus in Bonita Springs.

Southwest Florida College is not your average career college and by attending the grand opening, you’ll see exactly why. As a “College that listens to employers,” Southwest Florida College’s advisory boards of over 200 local business leaders help advise us on what’s in demand in the career fields of the future. Come learn what’s in store for leading careers in 2011 and beyond!

You can try your hand at working a crime scene, lifting a fingerprint or collecting a simulated blood sample. Find out the latest trends in color and design for the New Year, learn about green design and how to stage a home for sale. There will be personal financial and career planning sessions as well as a home entertainment technology demonstration. And if that’s not enough, you can meet with program managers and instructors in the fields of business, computer technology, computer aided drafting and design and more!

Bring the whole family! There will be lots of food, refreshments and door prizes along with free Child ID and fingerprinting kits!

You won’t want to miss this event! Saturday, February 26th from 11AM to 3PM at the new Bonita Springs campus, 24311 Walden Center Drive in Bonita Springs. For more information call 1-888-526-7973 or email info@swfc.edu.

There’s never been a better time to experience your future and see where training from Southwest Florida College can take you!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Congratulations IT Students!

Congratulations to these Southwest Florida College, Information Technology students who have recently earned their certifications over the break!


Wendy Davis: A+, Net+, Security +

Frank Rhoades: A+, Net+

Wayne Langer: A+

Adam Oakley: A+, Net+

Terry Collins: A+

Jeff Norris: A+, Net+

Vincent Zinkys: A+, Net+, Security+

Rickie Zarb: Net+

Richard Harris: A+

Robert Rossi: A+

Eston Taylor: A+

Doug Little: A+, Net+

Larry Theil: Net+


Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with lifetime placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit http://www.swfc.edu/.

Patrick Flahive Joins Southwest Florida College as the Criminal Justice Program Manager

Fort Myers, Fla. – Patrick Flahive has recently joined Southwest Florida College as the Criminal Justice Program Manager.
Patrick Flahive is a certified correctional officer, law enforcement officer, general instructor, firearms instructor and first responder by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards & Training Commission. He has earned a master’s degree in Administration.

Flahive has served in the United States Air Force for five years as a munitions systems specialist and Sergeant supervising teams who maintained, tested and assembled precision guided conventional, nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

He has worked for the Florida Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer & Sergeant for nine years where he supervised the Correctional Officers and civilian staff who maintain the safety and security of a maximum security prison.

Flahive has also worked for the Florida Gulf Coast University Police Department as a Police Officer and Reserve Police Officer for seven years, enforcing local, state, and federal laws as well as university rules and regulations.

He has been a coordinator, full-time and part time instructor at the Southwest Florida Criminal Justice Academy for thirteen years, training Law Enforcement and Correctional Officers.

He has served as a member of the Regional Domestic Security Taskforce and Joint Terrorism Taskforce for three years, determining training and operational needs at the local, state and federal levels.

Flahive has been the Assistant Director of the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy for three years where he supervised, directed, lead, and motivated more than 150 Firefighter and Criminal Justice instructors and 3,000 firefighter and criminal justice students annually.

“Southwest Florida College is a career college; we are going to make sure that students who graduate from our program not only have the academic ability to be successful but that they also have the practical ability to be successful,” Flahive said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Be in demand for years to come!

Are you looking for a nontraditional, cutting edge career in law enforcement?

Southwest Florida College offers a variety of accredited courses in Computer Forensics, Network Security, Terrorism, Forensic Science, Criminal Profiling and more!

Southwest Florida College will prepare you for the law enforcement career of tomorrow that will put you in demand for years to come.

Call 877-455-0107 or visit www.swfc.edu today!

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Do you know computer networks?

One of the fastest growing IT careers today are for people who know computer networks - at home and in the workplace.

Southwest Florida College offers coursework in Network Security, Computer Forensics, Computer Programming, Home Entertainment Technology, Electronic Communication Systems and more.

 

Receive training in the most cutting edge programming applications and technologies. Southwest Florida College teaches useful skills that will put you in demand for years to come.

 

Call 888-279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu today!

 

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College students, faculty and staff reach out to help students in need.

Fort Myers, Fla. - The Angel Tree, organized by Southwest Florida College’s Allied Health Club volunteers Claudia Portalatin, Laida Colon, and Sherry Marshburn, was created two years ago as a way to help fellow classmates during the holiday.

Students of Southwest Florida College can sign-up their children for the Angel Tree. The age and interest of each child is written on the back of paper angel ornaments and hung on the tree located on the third floor lobby of the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus.

Fellow classmates, faculty and staff then choose an angel from the tree and purchase a pair of pajamas and a book for each child, based on the child’s interest.

“We thought about what Christmas was all about and what most of us remember is being a child and sitting around the tree in a pair of pajamas with a good book,” said Liz Levine, Allied Health Program Manager and Club Advisor. “We feel that this teaches kids the spirit of giving.”

This year, there are 75 angels on the tree. Students will be able to pick up their Angel Tree gifts on December 13th. Whatever doesn’t get picked up will be donated to the ACT Shelter.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Cheryl Vanande joins Southwest Florida College as the Graduate Placement Coordinator for the Port Charlotte Campus

Port Charlotte, Fla.  – Cheryl Vanande joined the Southwest Florida College, Port Charlotte campus as the Graduate Placement Coordinator. Vanande has an impressive background, with over 25 years of experience in training, development and human resources management.

She said she is pleased to be a part of Southwest Florida College because of its focus on student success. Which Vanande said is “a success that is thought out and includes future employers’ needs.”

“Students matter, employers matter and the community benefits. Our students leave with a real education that is career-oriented, competency based, and is what employers are looking for,” she said.

Vanande is currently the president of CNO, Inc., a nationwide provider of training, consulting and publishing services. Prior to establishing CNO, Inc., Vanande served as Manager of Training and Organizational Development for Charlotte County’s Board of County Commissioners (BCC), headquartered in Port Charlotte, Fla. In addition, Vanande is a retired (reserve) Navy Commander.

Her educational background includes a master’s degree in Public Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University (2003), and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Iowa (1982).

Vanande has earned certifications/licenses in:

• Professional Human Resources (PHR)
• Performance Leadership Instructor
• Achieve Global Instructor: Customer Service Program Instructor, and Integrated Leadership Concepts, Applications and Practices
• Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Administrator
• Emotional Intelligence (EI) Instructor
• CPR and First Aid American Red Cross Instructorships

Vanande is a founding member of Charlotte County’s Toastmasters Club, currently serves on the Southwest Florida Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development, is a past board member of the Charlotte County Society of Human Resources Management, past member of the American Society of Public Administrators, past member of the Florida Public Personnel Association and certified labor relations negotiator.

“My personal goal in my new position is to help each and every graduate maximize their potential for obtaining a career position. Basically, make sure they stand out in the sea of applicants so they get an interview opportunity where I know they will shine,” Vanande said.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. Campuses are located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐526‐7973 or visit www.swfc.edu.

Southwest Florida College Students Earned Top Awards at the ASID Annual Student Design Competition

Bonita Springs, Fla. – Four students from the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College claimed top awards at the annual ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Student Design Competition, held on September 24, 25 and 26 in Marathon, Fla.

In the residential design category, Sandra Dressler won first place for the second year in a row and received a check for $500. First time competition entrants Alexandra Hutchinson and Mary Seca took second and third place respectively in the residential design category earning a check for $250 and $175.

Sandra Dressler also won second place in the commercial design category and received another check for $250. Student Chris Beebe won the student rug design competition. Beebe earned a check for $500 and will have the honor of seeing his rug manufactured of silk in wool in Tibet. The rug was on display at the ASID South Florida Chapter Annual Design Conference and will be used in the home show in Naples early next year. Following the home show, the rug will be auctioned off at an ASID fundraising event.

“We all had a wonderful time at the conference and we hope that even more students will attend next year’s conference in Jupiter, Fla.,” said Linda Petersen, Program Manager of Interior Design at the Institute of Interior Design at Southwest Florida College. “We are very proud of all our winners and we are looking forward to seeing how great they will become when they graduate.”

The ASID Student Design Competition is open to all interior design programs in the South Florida area. Projects are judged on the overall professionalism of the design, the presentation of the design, and the appropriateness of the design in relation to the design requirements.



Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.

SWFC Students Visit Local Nursing Homes

You can help make this season joyful for local nursing home residents. Join Southwest Florida College on December 11th as we visit nursing homes in our community. Please meet in the parking lot of the Southwest Florida College, Fort Myers campus at 9:45 AM. For more information, contact student services (Room 301) or email Mr. Jones.

Southwest Florida College is an accredited, private institution of higher learning that is listening to employers and providing its students with placement assistance in today’s most demanding career fields. The college is located in Fort Myers, Tampa, Port Charlotte and Bonita Springs. The Institute of Interior Design is also located within the Bonita Springs campus. For more information, call toll free 888‐279-2342 or visit www.swfc.edu.