DSC alumni association to host pre-game cook-out, Nov. 11

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Nov. 3, 2014) – The Daytona State College Alumni & Friends Association will host a pre-game cook-out on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m., prior to the 7 p.m. tip-off
for the Falcons home basketball game against Polk State College in the Lemerand Center on the Daytona Beach Campus.

Featuring free hotdogs, chips and bottled water for the first 100 DSC alums, this “tail-gating” event takes place on the south side of the Lemerand Center.

“The association’s board members are keen to attract former students to attend home games to cheer on the college’s athletic programs,” says Alumni Coordinator Kendra Payne. “Go Falcons!”

Earlier this year, the association kicked off its membership drive, aimed at inviting former students to join at no cost. In addition to being open to anyone who has earned a degree or certificate from the college, membership also is open to those who have taken at least one course, as well as transfer students, non-credit and continuing education students.
By taking advantage of their free membership, alumni enjoy these benefits:
• Invitations to special “alumni and friends only” events
• Networking opportunities
• Free admission to Southeast Museum of Photography programs and a 10 percent discount on gift shop purchases
• Free use of the DSC Library
• Free use of the College Writing Center
• Free use of the DSC Career Placement Center
• Use of the Lemerand Fitness and Aquatic Centers
• Complimentary online subscription to the DSC President’s Communique
• Use of the Dental Hygiene Clinic (DeLand Campus only)
• Use of Massage Therapy (Daytona Beach Campus only)
• Use of Cosmetology services (Daytona Beach and Deltona campuses only)
• Use of Barbering services (New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus only)
• Access to quality programming delivered by WDSC TV-15
All Benefits require a valid DSC Alumni ID card which can be obtained by completing and submitting the Alumni Association Membership form at Alumni.DaytonaState.edu.

To become a member or for more information, visit the Alumni Association website or call (386) 506-4506.

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DSC alumni association hosts communication workshop for job seekers, Oct. 9

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 25, 2014) – In advance of the upcoming MEGA Job Fair at Daytona State College’s News-Journal Center on Oct. 14, the DSC Alumni & Friends Association will host a workshop, Abracadabra! Discovering the Magic of Effective Communication, on Thursday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m.

Presented by Jennifer Kranz, associate director of the college’s Writing Center, and Holly Hollins, faculty member in DSC’s School of World Languages and Speech, the workshop addresses preparing effective resumes and cover letters, interview pointers and other job-seeking tips.

What: Abracadabra! Discovering the Magic of Effective Communication
Where: Daytona Beach Campus, Hosseini Center, Madorsky Theater, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.
When: Thursday, Oct. 9, 3 p.m.

The 90-minute workshop is free and open to DSC students and alumni. Seating is limited; reservations can be made online.

Earlier this year, the association kicked off its membership drive, aimed at inviting former students to join at no cost. In addition to being open to anyone who has earned a degree or certificate from the college, membership also is open to those who have taken at least one course, as well as transfer students, non-credit and continuing education students.

By taking advantage of their free membership, alumni enjoy these benefits:

• Invitations to special “alumni and friends only” events
• Networking opportunities
• Free admission to Southeast Museum of Photography programs and a 10 percent discount on gift shop purchases
• Free use of the DSC Library
• Free use of the College Writing Center
• Free use of the DSC Career Placement Center
• Use of the Lemerand Fitness and Aquatic Centers
• Complimentary online subscription to the DSC President’s Communique
• Use of the Dental Hygiene Clinic (DeLand Campus only)
• Use of Massage Therapy (Daytona Beach Campus only)
• Use of Cosmetology services (Daytona Beach and Deltona campuses only)
• Use of Barbering services (New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus only)
• Access to quality programming delivered by WDSC TV-15

*All Benefits require a valid DSC Alumni ID card which can be obtained by completing and submitting the Alumni Association Membership form at Alumni.DaytonaState.edu.

To become a member or for more information, visit the Alumni Association website or call (386) 506-4506.

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DSC to celebrate 50 years as one of nation’s top photography schools

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2014) - Daytona State College will celebrate the 50th anniversary of its School of Photography and the 35th anniversary of its acclaimed Southeast Museum of Photography (SMP) with an alumni reunion, as well as a series of lectures and exhibitions scheduled on Oct. 20 and 21 that are free and open to the public.

The SMP is already offering a prelude to the celebration with “The Growth of a Collection: 1981-2001,” an exhibition highlighting the first 20 years of the museum’s collection. The free exhibition runs through Dec. 14.

A reception for photography program alumni, as well as current photo students and community members who have supported the program and museum, is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Mori Hosseini Center located on the college’s Daytona Beach Campus, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Other programs and exhibitions are scheduled throughout the day on Oct. 21 beginning at 9 a.m.

Among the highlights are:

• A reception honoring the late Bruce Moyer and David Martin, both DSC alumni, will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21 from 4 to 5 p.m., with the photographers’ families, friends and former teachers in attendance. The free exhibition, “A Photographic Tribute to Bruce Moyer and David Martin,” will be on display in Gallery 202 of the Photography Building through Oct. 30.

Moyer was the deputy director of photography at the Tampa Bay Times and was named National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) “Picture Editor of the Year” four times throughout his career. He also won numerous awards in the annual Pictures of the Year International Competition, NPPA Best of Photojournalism and Society of News Design contests.  

Martin, a longtime Associated Press photographer, is said to have covered nearly every major news event in the southern United States over the past 30 years. He also traveled the world for the AP, covering sporting events, political conventions and military conflicts.

• Two other distinguished DSC alumni who have earned worldwide acclaim also will share their insights on Tuesday, Oct. 21, during the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series presented by the college’s Small Business Development Center; free, all welcome.

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Stephen Crowley and Lawrence Cumbo, producer, writer and owner of the iconic Opera House LIVE in Shepherdstown, W.Va., together will present two sessions – first at 10 a.m. at Daytona State’s News-Journal Center located at 221 N. Beach St. in downtown Daytona Beach and again at 6 p.m. in the Mori Hosseini Center on the college’s main campus at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Both presentations are free and open to all.

Since its inception, Daytona State’s photography program has attracted an accomplished faculty and students from throughout the world. Its alumni have distinguished themselves in virtually every field of photography, earning the college a national reputation as a leader in photographic education.

In 2007, Daytona State’s School of Photography, the University of Central Florida-Daytona Photography Program and SMP formed a partnership under the umbrella of the Southeast Center for Photographic Studies. In 2007, the museum moved to its present location in the Hosseini Center, expanding its exhibit space 10-fold. Today, it is Florida's most comprehensive museum of photography, the largest in the southeastern U.S. and one of only six museums in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to photography.

For more information, contact Dan Biferie, photography program chair, at (386) 506-3581 or BiferD@DaytonaState.edu.

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Esteemed DSC photo alumni to be featured at entrepreneurial speaker event

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 24, 2014) – Two graduates of Daytona State College’s School of Photography who have earned worldwide acclaim will share their insights on Tuesday, Oct. 21, during the L. Gale Lemerand Entrepreneurial Speaker Series presented by the college’s Small Business Development Center; free, all welcome.

Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Stephen Crowley and Lawrence Cumbo, producer, writer and owner of the iconic Opera House LIVE in Shepherdstown, W.Va., together will present two sessions – first at 10 a.m. at Daytona State’s News-Journal Center at 221 N. Beach St. in downtown Daytona Beach and again at 6 p.m. in the Mori Hosseini Center on the college’s main campus at 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. Both presentations are free and open to the public.

The event is part of reunion activities and exhibitions celebrating the 50th anniversary of Daytona State’s School of Photography and the 35th anniversary of its Southeast Museum of Photography (SMP).

Crowley, a 1975 Daytona State graduate, is considered one of the major influences working in photography today and has distinguished himself with exhibitions of his work in shows at the Library of Congress, the National Geographic Society, the Corcoran Art Museum and the SMP.

In 2002, Crowley was named “Photographer of the Year” by the White House News Photographers Association for a portfolio that included his essays “Voices of Afghanistan” and “A Day in the Life of President Bush.” In 2002, the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography was awarded to Crowley and four other photographers at The New York Times for work produced during the war in Afghanistan. That same year he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, D.C., and in 2005, American Photo Magazine included Crowley on its list of the 100 Most Important People in Photography.

Cumbo is a 1992 graduate of Daytona State and forged a successful career as a documentary filmmaker, writer and producer before purchasing one of America’s oldest movie theaters four years ago and transforming it into a cultural arts landmark. The music and movie venue is the home of the Smithsonian Channel music series Opera House LIVE! Cumbo is also an executive producer with his production company, CumboMedia, which has delivered programming for the Smithsonian Channel, National Geographic Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, TLC, A&E and more. Cumbo also served as an executive producer for overseas media companies.

In 2002, he filmed, wrote and produced “Search for the Afghan Girl,” the headline-making story of Afghan refugee Sharbat Gula, whose photograph first appeared on the cover of the National Geographic magazine in 1985. The film was nominated for an Emmy and has won several awards, including a CINE Golden Eagle Award and a Gold World Medal at the New York film festivals.

To register for the event or for additional information, call (386) 506-4723.

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Inaugural Newsletter for the Alumni & Friends Association

Click here  to view the inaugural newsletter for Daytona State College's Alumni & Friends Association.

Registration discount for DSC alums; TheColorDash5k benefitting the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA

The world's brightest 5K, benefiting the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA will be held on the college's Daytona Beach Campus on Saturday, Sept. 6. 

EMPLOYEES, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI OF DAYTONA STATE WILL RECEIVE A $10 DISCOUNT BY USING PROMO CODE "YMCA 10" 

Register online at WWW.THECOLORDASH5K.COM

DSC alum appointed to new position at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center

Congratulations to Daytona State alum, Marlene Thomas, who has been appointed to serve as the director of operations at Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center's New Smyrna Beach facility. The community is invited to attend the grand opening on Sunday, Sept. 7, from noon to 4 p.m. 

The Florida Hospital Memorial Medical Center New Smyrna Health Park is located on the southeast corner of I-95 and State Road 44. For information, call (386) 231-2229.

Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, DSC baseball alum

Florida Music Letter: Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line: Brian Kelley comes from the small town of Ormond Beach, Florida.  As a child, Brian always loved music but when Garth Brooks’ double liv...

Rock star retail manager at Dominique Ansel Bakery got her start at Daytona State

Marcella Perego got her start at Daytona State College; a culinary grad since summer 2013 she went to New York to pursue her dream. One of Zagat's 30 Under 30, Perego is a rock star retail manager at Dominique Ansel Bakery, and the one person charged with managing the pastry fiends who flock to the SoHo bakery every morning.

Golfing go-getter in red-hot streak

Recent alum, Tiffany Chan, defeated Spanish player Marta Sanz on the second hole of a sudden death play-off this past weekend at the Crans-sur-Sierre course in the Swiss Alps to win the 15th annual World University Championship. The Standard, Hong Kong

DSC Alumni Felipe Resck provides World Cup insights from Brazil via Skype

During a recent Skype interview with DSC Alumni Felipe Resck in Brazil, he talks about his career and the World Cup frenzy currently going on in Brazil.

Daytona State hosts alumna art exhibition, May 27-Aug. 29

Works by Margaret Schnebly Hodge; opening reception, May 23
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 7, 2014) – Daytona State College alumna Margaret Schnebly Hodge presents Breaking Free: Dark Energy, Dark Matter, an exhibition with over 30 works of art, including oil paintings and other media, shown in the North Lobby/Art Gallery at the college’s News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach Street, Daytona Beach.

The free public exhibition features an opening reception on Friday, May 23, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Gallery hours run Monday to Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (May 27-July 24), and Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (July 28-Aug. 29).

Before age one, Hodge moved with her family to Daytona Beach and has lived in the area ever since. Graduating from Mainland High School (1971), she continued her studies at Daytona Beach Community College (now Daytona State College), followed by earning her B.A. from the College of Fine Arts, University of Florida.

Long appreciated as an abstract figurative and landscape painter using a dark, rich palette and with a philosophical preoccupation with concepts of physical and emotional restraint, many works in this exhibit show Hodge’s aesthetic expansion beyond the sense of earth-bound considerations. For more about the artist, visit www.margarethodgeart.com

Studio arts are an essential corner stone in developing well-rounded and innovative individuals for both art and non-art majors alike. Students learn the specifics of studio art mediums in a hands-on program designed to develop their creative skills while fostering a theoretical and historical understanding.

Studio arts include the disciplines of painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, airbrush and design. The fundamental building blocks of all studio art courses instill skills in: divergent thinking, problem solving, critical thinking and creativity.

For more information about exhibition times, call the News-Journal Center Box Office, (386) 226-1927, or visit DaytonaState.edu/TheArts.

Find out more about the studio arts programs at DSC’s Mike Curb College of Music, Entertainment and Art, or call (386) 506-3276.

Photo: Margaret Schnebly Hodge, Paintings: L-R, Stellar Drift, My Space, Native Passage
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Foundation holds meet and greet for donors and scholarship recipients

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. ( April 18, 2014) – Dozens of Daytona State College Foundation scholarship recipients came face to face with their benefactors during a donor appreciation luncheon held April 14 at the college’s teaching eatery and kitchen, Café 101.

With food prepared by Daytona State culinary students, the affair was a chance for the scholarship recipients to personally express their thanks for the financial help they received to attend college.
Among them was Benarah Sanford, who earned her Associate Degree in Nursing from Daytona State and is now pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, thanks to a DSC scholarship endowment established by Dr. William Schildecker and the Bert Fish Foundation.

Dr. William Schildecker, right, chats with scholarship recipient Benarah Sanford during a donor appreciation luncheon hosted this month by the Daytona State College Foundation.

As a trustee and donor, Schildecker and the Fish Foundation have donated millions to Daytona State and other organizations throughout the years in support of education and health care. They will be the honorees this year at the Daytona State College Foundation’s Sept. 18 annual gala.

Daytona State President Carol W. Eaton said the luncheon was an opportunity for donors to witness first-hand how their support of the Foundation touches lives. “We invited you to meet our scholarship recipients so that you can see for yourself, so you can actually gain an understanding from personally meeting and speaking with our students, just how great an impact your investment in their future will have,” she said.

Over the past 10 years, the DSC Foundation has awarded more than $7.5 million in scholarships, with nearly $1 million being awarded this year alone to almost 1,200 students. Scholarship awards are granted each semester. The Foundation is actively seeking to increase its donor base and scholarship resources in order to help more students defray the cost of their college education.

Schildecker and the Fish Foundation have established 11 individual scholarships through the DSC Foundation on behalf of Daytona State students pursuing degrees and certificates in a wide range of health care programs. The college’s Foundation has received nearly $3 million from them since 1984 for scholarships and program support.

For more about DSC Foundation Scholarships, visit http://donate.daytonastate.edu or call (386) 506-3195.

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Local health-care administrator earns Daytona State’s Crumley Award for science achievement

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 10, 2014) – Daytona State College alumnus George Kastroulis has been awarded the institution’s prestigious 2014 Margaret Crumley Award for Distinguished Achievement in Science.

“George Kastroulis is an exemplary example of a graduate utilizing the tools he obtained at Daytona State to touch the lives of so many people,” said Dr. Tom Swain, who chaired a committee of Daytona State science faculty who selected Kastroulis for the award.

The annual award, first presented in 2001, honors outstanding alumni who achieved an associate degree from the College of Science at Daytona State, have used their scientific knowledge to improve their community and have distinguished themselves while working in their field. Mrs. Crumley established the award to honor her son, John, and husband, Thomas.

Kastroulis, 37, earned his Associate of Science in Radiography degree from Daytona State in 1998 and began a successful career in health care that accelerated when he earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Supervision and Management degree in 2012. He is general manager of Nurse On Call, a home health-care provider that covers four Northeast Florida counties.

But perhaps even more noteworthy is his volunteer spirit. He has served as board chairman for the American Cancer Society, East Central Coastal Unit; board member to the Central Florida affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization; and has held several advisory board positions with cancer survivor groups in Volusia and Flagler counties. 

A few years ago, Kastroulis identified a need for cancer patients to have local access to available resources, education about medical treatment and a survivor awareness program. Working with the Daytona Cubs organization, he established Breast Cancer Survivor Night to promote awareness of the disease. 

Along with fellow radiologist Charles Burkett, they spearheaded the Daytona Breast Cancer Symposium. The event was originally created in partnership with Daytona State College, with sponsorships by the Susan G. Komen Center, the American and the Florida Breast Cancer societies and, presently, also with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Kastroulis also has formed a coalition with Bethune-Cookman University to bring accessible health care to the underserved in Volusia County through a free clinic.

Past recipients of the Crumley Award include Dr. Steven Miles, radiologist; Dr. Ralph Scorza, biologist; Dr. Ron Jenkins, biochemist; Dr. Sam Davis, radiologist; Dr. James Greene, assoc. vice president, College of Health Careers, Daytona State College; Dr. Linda Miles, chair, School of Nursing at Daytona State College; Mr. David Marsh, retired TV weatherman; Mrs. Willa Fuller, executive director of the Florida Nurses Association; Dr. David Riban Jr., pharmacist; and Dana Johnson, biologist.

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Daytona State Alumni Association seeks to grow membership

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 1, 2014) - The Daytona State College Alumni Association is looking for new members interested in reconnecting with the institution.

“Through our shared experience, the Daytona State College story can be told, benefitting future alumni, friends of Daytona State and the community at large,” said Suzette Cameron, president of the association’s Board of Directors.

The association recently kicked off its membership drive, aimed at inviting former students to join at no cost. In addition to being open to anyone who has earned a degree or certificate from the college, membership also is open to those who have taken at least one course, as well as to transfer students, non-credit and continuing education students.

By taking advantage of their free membership, alumni enjoy these benefits:
• Invitations to special “alumni and friends only” events
• Networking opportunities
• Free admission to Southeast Museum of Photography programs and a 10 percent discount on gift shop purchases
• Free use of the DSC Library
• Free use of the College Writing Center
• Free use of the DSC Career Placement Center
• Use of the Lemerand Fitness and Aquatic Centers
• Complimentary online subscription to the DSC President’s Communique
• Use of the Dental Hygiene Clinic (DeLand Campus only)
• Use of Massage Therapy (Daytona Beach Campus only)
• Use of Cosmetology services (Daytona Beach and Deltona campuses only)
• Use of Barbering services (New Smyrna Beach-Edgewater Campus only)
• Access to quality programming delivered by WDSC TV-15

*All Benefits require a valid DSC Alumni ID card which can be obtained by completing and submitting the Alumni Association Membership form at Alumni.DaytonaState.edu.

To become a member or for more information, visit the Alumni Association website or call (386) 506-4506.

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Re-energized Alumni Association seeks to grow membership and serve college

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla.) March 4, 2014 - The Daytona State College Alumni Association celebrated its reorganization on Tuesday, March 4, by introducing its new Board of Directors to more than 60 college employees who were once DSC students.

During a continental breakfast held in the Hosseini Center, President Carol W. Eaton noted the different pathways that brought many in attendance to enroll in classes: some who started right out of high school, others who started classes after becoming employees, and still others who took advantage of Daytona State baccalaureate degree offerings.

“If you think about those three pathways, they remind me of the paths that many of our students choose,” Eaton said.  “I like to say you’ve come full circle, helping that next generation of students who are coming to class. So not only are you representing (our graduates), you’re representing all of our students whose lives you touch every day.”

She encouraged attendees to stay involved with the association and other college initiatives, and to take advantage of professional development opportunities.

Alumni Board President Suzette Cameron, a 1988 graduate of the college’s law enforcement program who is now director of campus services at the Deltona Campus, introduced fellow board members and noted their first quarterly meeting will be on Thursday, April 17, to begin planning association activities and strategies for growing membership.
Board members include:

• Vice President - Miguel Rivera (Director of Student Disabilities and Counseling Services)  
• Secretary/Treasurer - Brenda Merritt-Smith (Emergency Prep. Tech., Campus Safety)
• Social Media/PR Specialist - Alison Ryan (Marketing Office Manager)
• Technology Specialist - David Tatum (Coordinator IT Resources)
• Jennifer Kranz (Associate Director of the Writing Center)
• Debra Manning (Career Services Advisor)
• Kathleen Mathen (Financial Aid Specialist, Flagler/Palm Coast Campus)
• Joshua Poniatowski (Academic Advisor)
• Dr. Andrea Reese (Chair of Online Studies & Associate Professor, School of Mathematics)
• Lisa Severson (Financial Aid Specialist, NSB)
• Jacqui Van Kirk (Coordinator for Interactive Media)
• Membership in the Alumni Association (also known as Alumni & Friends) is open to anyone who has graduated from the college with a degree or certificate, as well as non-graduates who have taken at least one course, transfer students and non-credit and continuing education students.

For information or to become a member, visit the Alumni Association website or call (386) 506-4506.

 

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Two new members join Daytona State District Board of Trustees

Gov. Scott’s appointments fill vacancies, complete the board roster

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 28, 2014) - Daytona State College has a full board once again, following Gov. Rick Scott’s appointment of two new trustees on Feb. 27, subject to confirmation by the Florida Senate.

The college and its District Board of Trustees welcome Stanley “Stan” Escudero and Garry Lubi of Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, respectively. The new trustees are expected to attend the next board meeting on Thursday, March 27, at 2 p.m. on the Daytona Beach Campus.

“We’re delighted to welcome our newest trustees and look forward to working with them to continue advancing our region’s success through high quality education and workforce training,” said Carol W. Eaton, president of Daytona State.

According to the governor’s announcement, Escudero, 71, is a former ambassador for the United States Department of State and has served as president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan. A 1962 alumnus of Daytona State, Escudero served as Student Government president during his time at the college. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning Feb. 27 and ending May 31, 2015.

Lubi, 56, of Palm Coast, is the senior vice president of Ameris Bank. He has served as chair of the Flagler County Chamber of Commerce and on the board of the Flagler County Education Foundation. He has a bachelor’s degree from Canisius College. He fills a vacant seat and is appointed for a term beginning Feb. 27 and ending May 31, 2014.

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This week's highlights at DSC: WISE Lecture, STEM science seminar, Faculty Chamber Music Recital, and Noor Iranian Film Festival

 

This week at DSC: WISE Lecture - What did you have for breakfast? (Feb. 11), STEM Seminar Series (Feb. 12), Faculty Chamber Music Recital (Feb. 13) and Noor Iranian Film Festival (Feb. 14).
FALCONREPORT

DSC photo alum wins military exchange’s grand prize in contest

 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Feb. 6, 2014) - A video created as a class project by Lola Gomez, a graduate of Daytona State’s School of Photography, has been awarded the $10,000 grand prize in the Army and Air Force Exchange Service’s Homeward Bound photo and video contest.

Gomez gave the video, titled “My Heart Back Home,” to her sister, Laura Jimenez, as a gift, who in turn entered it into the contest as one of 672 submissions. Her winning entry will be used as part of the Exchange’s yearlong advertising campaign.

“Lola is a talented and highly motivated photographer who is taking advantage of both the aesthetic and technical skills she learned while enrolled in our program at Daytona State,” said School of Photography Chair Dan Biferie. “We are proud of all she has accomplished and are confident she will join a growing list of our program graduates who have gone on to receive critical acclaim and success in their careers.”

Using a series of black-and-white photos and videos, the multimedia piece captures a life that is typical of so many military families, focusing on Jimenez and her son, Leonardo, born less than a month before his father, Sgt. 1st class Jesus Jimenez, deployed for a yearlong tour in Afghanistan. Images of the couple’s wedding day, their life together, and mother and son’s daily life with father overseas culminate with an emotional welcome home upon his return.

“My Heart Back Home” also earned a silver award in the Domestic Picture Story category in last year’s 68th College Photographer of the Year competition, sponsored by the University of Missouri and Nikon, where more than 600 student photographers representing 130 colleges and universities throughout the world participated.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Gomez, 37, earned her Associate of Science in Photographic Technology from Daytona State in May 2013. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Universidad Santa Maria in Caracas. Her work has been exhibited in the college’s Southeast Museum of Photography, and she is a freelance photographer for several Central Florida newspapers, including the Orlando Sentinel.

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