published: Friday, August 31, 2012

SFSC plans open house Sept. 26

Special to the News-Sun

AVON PARK -- South Florida State College invites the community to celebrate its expanded mission and new name - and to learn more about the new and existing programs it offers - at the SFSC Celebration Open House from 3-6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, at the SFSC Highlands Campus.

The open house will begin with the dedication of a time capsule by Dr. Norman L. Stephens Jr., SFSC president, college administrators and staff. The time capsule will contain items that commemorate this period in the college's history. Plans are for the capsule to be opened on the college's 75th anniversary.

Afterwards, the celebration will continue in Building B, the Catherine P. Cornelius Student Services and Classroom Complex. The Career Development Center will showcase the services it provides to local jobseekers and employers.

Building B will also be the starting point for tours of the Highlands Campus, where staff and students will be available to discuss the more than 40 programs offered by the college, including technical training, corporate education, and its new Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Supervision and Management (BAS-SM).

The open house marks a significant milestone in the history of the college, Dr. Stephens said.

In June, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools approved a level change for South Florida Community College, which allowed it to award baccalaureate degrees.

This led to the decision to change the college's name to South Florida State College.

With the start of the fall term, classes began for the BAS-SM degree, making it possible for students to pursue a bachelor's degree from SFSC for the first time ever.

"We have always had a comprehensive mission of 'enriching our communities through education ... one life at a time,' and the new bachelor's program adds to it," Dr. Stephens said.

"This open house is a celebration of our expanded mission but also an opportunity to affirm that we continue to be a comprehensive college that responds to the needs of our community.

"We invite everyone to celebrate with us and hope they'll develop a greater awareness of all of the programs and services we have to offer."

For more information about the college and its services, call 453-6661, 773-2252, 465-5300, or 494-7500.

To learn more about the open house, call 784-7250.