Titans Unite Luncheon Celebrates Colleges Past and Future

View more images from the luncheon on our EFSC Flickr site.

Eastern Florida State College welcomed leaders from its past Thursday to celebrate its future, showcasing the new Student Union on the Melbourne campus and its new academic programs.

The Titans Unite Luncheon was held by the EFSC Foundation, which provides student scholarships with a record 766 scholarships awarded last year.

“This college is an essential part of this community and it’s amazing what is happening here. It’s really impressive,” said Dick Beagley, former chair of the Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Attendees heard college President Dr. Jim Richey describe EFSC’s continuing growth as the most dynamic in its history.

“Our gathering today comes as we prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the college next year,” said Richey.

“During that time, we have had three names: Brevard Junior College, Brevard Community College, and now Eastern Florida State College.

“Regardless of the name, our mission has always been the same: To give students a high quality education, which will provide our businesses with a skilled workforce that lifts up the entire community.

“We share a proud legacy built with your help, with the result being our college consistently being recognized as a leader in higher education in Central Florida and in our state.”

Richey highlighted some of the college’s accomplishments in recent years, including starting about 60 new academic programs.

Among them are nearly 20 Bachelor Degree tracks in Business, Health Care and Computer Technology that are giving students excellent career opportunities after graduation.

He also discussed important student services such as a Career Planning and Development Center, Military and Veterans Service Center and Core Scholar Tutoring Program that are helping students succeed.

“We have done all this while not raising tuition for seven straight years, reflecting our firm commitment to keeping a college education within financial reach,” said Richey.

“In fact, Eastern Florida is among the most affordable colleges in our state and nation.”

Richey also said the college has constructed new state-of-the-art institutes for health care and public safety along with facilities for advanced manufacturing, aviation and others.

“That is why we want you to share in our vision and support our goals for the future,” said Richey.

“Working together, we can make certain the college helps fulfill the dreams of our students now and for generations to come.”

To learn more about the Foundation and donate for student scholarships, visit easternflorida.edu/foundation