Introduction

The Year So Far at Santa Fe College

The Year So Far at Santa Fe College

Santa Fe College's Clock Tower on the Northwest Campus.

July 16, 2024 – This retrospective highlights the progress and successes that have defined the past six months, showcasing the dedication and hard work of our community. Join us as we celebrate these accomplishments and look forward to the promising future ahead.

Awards and Honors

  • Herman Ramos and Lee Starling were awarded Part-Time Faculty Excellence Awards: The honor recognizes part-time faculty who demonstrate excellence at Santa Fe College, in their profession and in the community.

  • SF students participated in the 2024 SkillsUSA Florida State Leadership and Skills Conference, winning Gold and Silver awards: Winning the awards demonstrates Santa Fe College’s excellence in vocational education, boosting its reputation and students’ employability.

  • The Dance Theatre of Santa Fe was selected for the Gala concert at the American College Dance Association’s annual conference: Santa Fe College was one of only three state colleges to attend the conference and the only of those three selected for this highest honor.

  • Justin Jackson was named the FCSAA Pitcher of the Year: Over 15 appearances and 98 and one-third innings pitched, he posted a 2.20 ERA, the second lowest in the FCSAA, and earned a FCSAA best 11 wins, which are tied for the second most in NJCAA Division I.

  • Cheryl Farrell won the 2024 Career Service STAR Award Winner: This employee embodies excellence in Service, Teamwork, Attitude and Reliability (STAR).

  • The SF District Board of Trustees honored the Teaching Zoo Founder: Ray Giron was honored with a resolution recognizing his vision and contributions to what would become the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
Two people laughing on stage with a restaurant table with dishes behind them and the silhouettes of the audience in the foreground.

Events

  • The Santa Fe College Concert Band entertained with some of America’s most popular tunes in the annual “Winds Go Pop!” concert: Highlights of the program include selections from “West Side Story,” with music by Leonard Bernstein.

  • Blount Hall hosted this year’s Digital Health IT/E Summit: “AI, Cybersecurity, Leadership, OH MY!” aimed to raise awareness of programs offered at Blount Hall as well as educate the community on artificial intelligence, leadership and cybersecurity.

  • “Jazz Up Spring” honored the music of Duke Ellington and Count Basie: The 15 students in the Jazz Ensemble and the eight students in the Jazz Combo alternated music by the two composers throughout the concert.

  • Students in the Dance Theatre of Santa Fe took audiences on a trip through time during their annual “Elements of Style” performances: Audiences enjoyed eight dances in styles that ranged from West African tribal celebrations through 1800s ballet up through 21st century contemporary modern dance, jazz and hip-hop.

  • Santa Fe College hosted the CTE Showcase: The event featured SF’s CTE programs and various services that support students in these programs.

  • Theatre Santa Fe presented “Noises Off!” in April: “Noises Off!” premiered at the Lyric Theatre in London in 1982 and has since been produced worldwide, including on Broadway.

  • The RUE Festival was held on April 22: Students presented 24 different posters highlighting research performed as an SF student.

  • SF hosted the Mind Body Life Mental Health Symposium: Representatives from the institutions within the Florida College System were invited to attend the event.

Santa Fe College Saints Baseball coach Harry Tholen throws out the first pitch before a ceremony to rename the field in his honor.

News

  • Santa Fe College welcomed a CCAP Delegation from South Africa: The South African delegation of the Community College Administrator Program visited the college for two weeks.

  • The Bradford County School District was awarded $4 million by Gov. Ron DeSantis to support expanding SF’s Associate in Science in Nursing program into Bradford County: The collaboration with Bradford County complements SF’s efforts to expand nursing education.

  • The college named its baseball field in Harry Tholen’s honor: Tholen is a member of four halls of fame.

  • SF celebrated the 40th anniversary of its Displaced Homemaker Program: A reception was held March 12 where graduates of the program shared their program experiences.

  • SF students guaranteed admission to 17 UF programs: Officials from both institutions formalized the partnership during a signing ceremony on April 1 at the Jackson N. Sasser Fine Arts Hall on Santa Fe College’s Northwest Campus.

  • SF launched the new Student Engagement Center: Housed on the second floor of Building S on the Northwest Campus, the space will include multiple meeting rooms of various sizes as well as common gathering space.

  • Coach Savanah Webster earned her 100th win as the Head Coach of SF’s Women’s Softball team: Coach Webster later led the Saints into the FCSAA Region VIII tournament.

  • SF’s UF@SF Center marked the 1000th Associate in Arts degree graduate from its University of Florida partner programs: The milestone was reached a decade after the graduation of the first program student.

  • The Project SAINT grant was renewed: Project SAINT will continue to provide a very important college experience to young adults with intellectual disabilities/unique abilities.

  • Santa Fe Academy expands access to sophomores and adds college options: The school may now accept applications from 9th graders, who would enter the academy in the Fall as 10th graders.

  • Construction began on the Cellon Institute: Scheduled to open in Fall 2025, the Cellon Institute will allow for expansion of key trades programs in Welding and HVAC, as well as the addition of an Engineering Technology Advanced Manufacturing degree program.

  • SF students completed its 14th Habitat for Humanity house: Students in Santa Fe College’s Construction and Technical programs worked with crews from Alachua Habitat for Humanity.

Stay up to date with SF news and events at news.sfcollege.edu.

If you have an announcement or event to post, submit a MarCom request.