Source(s):
Brian Scully brts@ifas.ufl.edu, (772) 468-3922
E. Jane Luzar EJLuzar@ifas.ufl.edu, (352) 392-2251, Ext. 234
P.J. van Blokland PJvanBlokland@ifas.ufl.edu, (772) 468-3922

FORT PIERCE, Fla.—The University of Florida’s Indian River Research and Education Center in Fort Pierce recently celebrated its largest graduating class when 10 students completed requirements for degrees and certificates from UF’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in Gainesville.

Eight graduates earned bachelor’s degrees in agribusiness management, one completed a master’s degree in horticultural sciences and one received a certificate in agribusiness management. Center Director Brian Scully hosted the event for graduating students.

During the ceremonies, E. Jane Luzar, associate dean of the UF college in Gainesville, said the off-campus degree program at Fort Pierce was initiated six years ago, and the college is firmly committed to expanding education programs on the Treasure Coast.

“You now hold degrees from the state’s flagship university, and we look forward to your contributions to the agriculture and natural resource industries,” Luzar told the graduates. “Each of you is now a member of the University of Florida alumni, whose members span the globe – something you can be proud of all of your life.”

P.J. van Blokland, a professor of food and resource economics who directs the teaching program at the center, congratulated the graduates and said the off-campus teaching facility provides a unique opportunity for place-bound students to complete their degrees close to home, without having to attend classes at the main UF campus in Gainesville.

“Nearly all of the graduates work full time, and they typically enroll in one or two courses each semester,” van Blokland said. “Students range in age from 21 to over 50 years.”

The Fort Pierce center is part of UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or UF/IFAS, that provides statewide teaching, research and extension programs.

Carol Alberts graduated cum laude from the Fort Pierce center with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management. She was named Alpha Zeta Undergraduate Student of the Year by the Florida Chapter of Alpha Zeta at UF. Her academic achievements include lead authorship of a study on marketing the UF/IFAS Extension Service, which was accepted for publication in the Journal of Extension. Alberts, who earned four scholarships, was inducted into the Golden Key and the Phi Sigma Theta National Honor Societies. For the past 10 years, Alberts has served as executive secretary for the UF/IFAS St. Lucie County Extension Service in Fort Pierce.

Jessica Beacham of Okeechobee earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management. Beacham wants to pursue a career in equine management and already has more than 20 years experience working in the field. Her professional experience includes memberships in the 4-H program, the U.S. Equestrian Association, the U.S. Cross Training Association and the American Quarter Horse Association.

Graduates Jean Gardner and Chad McWaters, who earned bachelor’s degrees in agribusiness management, commuted to Fort Pierce from Okeechobee and Glades counties. Gardner lives in Buckhead Ridge on the northwest side of Lake Okeechobee. McWaters, an insurance salesman for the Florida Farm Bureau in Okeechobee, balanced his professional career with his studies.

Gabriele Klaesen, a White City resident, earned a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management. Klaesen has extensive experience in public health and is currently employed as an environmental specialist at the St. Lucie County Health Department.

She served as a public health specialist with the U.S. Air Force in Germany and was honored with four distinguished awards. She continues her service to the nation as an active member of the Air Force Sergeants’ Association.

Linda Minton, whose family has a long agricultural heritage in Fort Pierce, said the local educational opportunity allowed her to fulfill a lifelong dream. She graduated cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management.

“For me, it’s a tremendous opportunity to attend school right here in Fort Pierce,” Minton said. “I was able to fulfill the dream of earning my degree with the state’s top university.”

Minton’s academic performance at UF garnered four scholarships while she worked full time as office manager for Southeastern Aerial Crop Service Inc. in Fort Pierce. Her community work includes serving as executive director of the Florida Agricultural Aviation Association and treasurer of the St. Lucie County CattleWomen’s Association.

Melissa Pearce, a Sebring resident, transferred from South Florida Community College in Avon Park to the Fort Pierce center in 2002. She recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in food and resource economics with a specialization in agribusiness management.

During her enrollment at the community college and the Fort Pierce center, Pearce has been employed as a secretary for Pugh Utilities Inc., in Lake Placid, Fla. A lifelong agriculturalist, Pearce is a community leader, serving in various leadership roles for agricultural organizations such as the Florida 4-H Youth Development Program and the CattleWomens’ Association.

Joseph Westberry of Fort Pierce completed a bachelor’s degree in food and resource economics with a specialization in agribusiness management. For more than 9 years, Westberry has held full-time posts with increasing responsibility for Becker Holding Corp., a local citrus production firm that distributes fruit to international markets. He was elected by fellow students to serve as president of the Indian River Research and Education Center Agriculture Club.

Westberry’s academic achievements include two scholarship awards from UF and one award from the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association. He was also inducted into Alpha Zeta.

John Karthik completed his master’s degree in horticulture while serving as a research assistant at the Fort Pierce center. He recently began a doctoral degree program at the UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center in Lake Alfred.

Mark Roberson of Fort Pierce earned the college’s first Certificate in Agribusiness Management, an education program that was initiated at the Fort Pierce center in 2003. Roberson is a research technician at the center.

Scully said the two Bachelor of Science degree options are agribusiness management and environmental management. The four Master of Science degree options are in environmental science, agricultural education and communication, environmental horticulture and entomology. Two certificates are also available, one in agribusiness management and another in entomology.

To enroll in programs at the Indian River Research and Education Center or for more information, contact Kim Wilson at (772) 468-3922, Ext. 126 or at kswilson@ifas.ufl.edu.

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