Hodges University reschedules 2020 commencement to 2021

Due to the continuing uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 and capacity restrictions, the administration at Hodges University has decided to reschedule the 2020 commencement ceremony, which had already been rescheduled from June 7 to Oct. 4.  Plans are now underway to combine the 2020 and 2021 commencement ceremonies on Sunday, June 20, at Hertz Arena.

“Clearly, we must put the safety and well-being of everyone first, so the decision to cancel the 2020 Commencement Ceremony wasn’t made lightly,” said Dr. John Meyer, president of Hodges University. “It’s disappointing not only for our graduates, but also for all of us at Hodges.”

Hodges University is a regionally accredited, private nonprofit institution founded in 1990. With over 10,000 graduates having a 93 percent rate of continued success in careers, Hodges is recognized for developing programs that are uniquely designed and delivered to serve a diverse adult learner population. With campuses in Naples and Fort Myers, Florida, Hodges provides flexible day, evening and online classes taught by world-class faculty for undergraduate and graduate degrees. Hodges is also designated as a Hispanic serving institution, and is a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). More information about Hodges University is available at Hodges.edu.

FSW previews COVID-19 classroom precautions in new video

Florida SouthWestern State College has debuted a new video on its YouTube page detailing the changes and precautions students can expect to see when they return to campus and the classroom this August.

Changes include one-way classroom entry and exits, socially-distanced desk and seating arrangements, and Plexiglass barriers at the front of the classroom.

To view the full video, visit the college’s YouTube page at Florida SouthWestern State College FSW or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tycpalSd1c8.

Florida SouthWestern State College annually serves nearly 22,000 students globally. FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees and professional certifications, several with 100 percent licensure pass and job placements rates. Study and travel abroad opportunities are available for students through FSW’s Center for International Education. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW debuted its first Women’s Volleyball program in Fall 2019.

Visit www.FSW.edu for additional information.

Herrera promoted at Hodges University

Hodges University announced that Denise Herrera has been promoted to director of Financial Aid and Auxiliary Services.

In her new role, she ensures the university’s receiving, posting and disbursement compliance for funds with the Department of Education. She is also responsible for the timely administrative data files from the U.S. Department of Education and the State of Florida. She joined Hodges University in 2018 as the assistant director of Financial Aid and Veterans Services.

Herrera has 13 years of experience in higher education financial aid. She earned her associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in accounting, and an associate’s degree in business marketing and management from Southwest Florida College. She is also a Notary Public.

Additional information about Hodges University is available at Hodges.edu.

Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County announces extended Summer Program until Aug. 28

In response to the Lee County School District’s decision to delay the start of the school year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County is offering extended summer programming beginning Aug. 10 -Aug. 28 at the Lehigh and Renaissance Preserve locations.  Registration is currently open and scholarships are available through our partnership with the United Way.

“We wanted to respond quickly and meet the needs of the families and children that we serve by offering them a safe, educational, fun place for their children to go during this transitional time period,” said Denise Gergley, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County offers programs that support the priority outcome areas of the arts, education, health and wellness, leadership and service, and sports and recreation.

Enhanced safety and sanitation protocols are in place, which include: daily temperature checks and wellness screenings, handwashing and sanitizing stations, frequent cleaning of all program and high touch areas, reduced capacity to ensure adherence to social distancing, and mandatory masks for both staff and members.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Lee County looks forward to welcoming students back for their 2020-2021 After School Program. Programs will start Monday, Aug. 31, for children ages 6-12. Teen programs will also be available. Registration opens Monday, Aug. 10. Club locations, hours of operation, registration and additional information can be found on our website at www.loveleekids.org or by contacting our administrative offices at 239-334-1886.

In addition to the Boys & Girls Clubs After School programs, it is currently exploring options to support families who choose to enroll their children in one of the Lee County School District’s distant learning options such as Lee Home Connect, Florida Virtual School, or home school. Those details will be announced in the coming weeks.

Healthy Lee launches Teacher Appreciation Contest

Healthy Lee invites the Southwest Florida community to share its appreciation for Lee County teachers through its 2020 Teacher Appreciation Contest.

Through Aug. 21, Lee County students are encouraged to share stories of how their teacher has made a difference in their life or the lives of others. To participate, children can create a video, song, artwork or poem honoring a teacher, which can be uploaded by parents or guardians to HealthyLee.com/TAC2020.

Teachers will be welcomed back to school with these positive messages, along with prizes and discounts to promote teacher self-care and appreciation in the community. Additionally, one lucky educator will be selected to win a wonderful gift and other great prizes for their classroom.

“Teachers help bring education to life, playing a critically important role in a student’s ability to learn, grow and one day become contributing members of our society,” said Gary Griffin, chairman of Healthy Lee. “After ending a particularly unusual school year, we wanted to help teachers and students kick off the new school year on the right foot. The Teacher Appreciation Contest allows our students to show just how much they appreciate their teachers and all they do to make a difference.”

The Teacher Appreciation Contest is part of Healthy Lee’s Behavioral Health Coalition’s “Welcome Week,” running Aug. 24-28. A week dedicated exclusively to teachers, Welcome Week will feature special offerings, prizes and more to kick off the new school year and commend local teachers for their impact on education in Lee County.

Not a student? Individuals and businesses can also contribute to Welcome Week through monetary donations to support classroom upgrades and gifts for contest winners, as well as by providing discounted services for teachers.

To learn more about the Teacher Appreciation Contest and how to honor local teachers, please visit HealthyLee.com/TAC2020.

About Healthy Lee

Comprised of more than 300 Lee County businesses and organizations, the Healthy Lee initiative reflects Lee County’s comprehensive sustainability strategy through promoting the integration of healthy lifestyle choices into the daily routines of the community of Lee County. The movement promotes collaborative partnerships and seeks to provide the resources, tools and knowledge to empower the community to make exercise, nutrition and well-being a priority.

For additional information, visit www.HealthyLee.com.