2020 Alumni recipients include active duty marine, veterinarian, engineer, and business owner
Lake-Sumter State College and the Lake-Sumter State College Foundation are pleased to announce the 2020 Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Award winners.
This year’s winners represent a broad cross section of our community – a veterinarian, Marines second lieutenant, law enforcement sergeant, engineer, librarian, and business owners.
“We’re proud of our more than 25,000 Lake-Sumter State College alumni who are making positive impacts in our local community, Central Florida, and beyond each day,” says Dr. Laura Byrd, VP of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the LSSC Foundation. “We are excited to recognize the contributions of this year’s winners in giving back to LSSC and serving their communities.”
The Heart of a Volunteer Award recognizes an LSSC alumni who generously volunteers their time, talent, or resources to LSSC’s events, programs, and outreach initiatives. The 2020 recipient is Robert (Robb) Elmatti ’05 of Eustis. Elmatti is the Training Director at Empower School and Farms in Umatilla.
The Community Engagement Award recognizes an LSSC alumni who has made notable contributions to the advancement of LSSC through impactful engagement and visibility in the community. The 2020 recipient is Sgt. Frederick Jones ’09. Sgt. Jones is a Sergeant and Public Information Officer for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The Professional Achievement Award recognizes an LSSC alumni who demonstrates excellence, has achieved success in their professional career, and gained the admiration and respect of their colleagues. The 2020 recipient is Dr. Candice Humphrey ’06 of Ocala. Dr. Humphrey is a Veterinarian at Jumper Creek Veterinary Clinic.
The Valor Award recognizes an LSSC alumni who has demonstrated exceptional courage in the face of danger as a service member in the U.S. Armed Forces, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other first responder. The 2020 recipient is 2nd Lt. Brianne Cook ’17. 2nd Lt. Cook serves our country in the United States Marine Corps and is currently stationed at NAS Pensacola.
The Graduate of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award recognizes an LSSC alumni who has graduated in the past ten years and distinguished themselves through excellence in their profession, service to the community, and a continued commitment to supporting LSSC. The 2020 recipient is Kylie Smalt ’17 of Fruitland Park. Smalt works for Duke Energy as a Relay Construction Planner.
The Faculty Hall of Fame Award is presented to a current, former, or retired LSSC faculty member who has/had noteworthy accomplishments during their career at LSSC while exercising exemplary service to the advancement of LSSC. The 2020 recipient is Nora Rackley. Rackley is a Reference/Instruction Librarian at the LSSC Libraries, and has been with LSSC for just over 25 years.
The Staff Hall of Fame Award is presented to a current, former, or retired LSSC staff member who has/had noteworthy accomplishments during their career at LSSC while exercising exemplary service to the advancement of LSSC. The 2020 recipient is Carolyn Scott of Clermont. Scott has been with LSSC for over 16 years, and is the Dean of Students.
The Trustee Hall of Fame Award is presented to a current or former member of LSSC’s District Board of Trustees who has gone above and beyond in their service to the College and commitment to the advancement of LSSC and its missions. The 2020 recipient is Tim Morris ’77 of Leesburg. Morris has served on the District Board of Trustees since 2007.
The Athletics Hall of Fame Award is presented to an LSSC alumni, current or former coach, administrator, or community member who has contributed positively and significantly to LSSC’s Athletics programs and its student athletes. The 2020 recipient is Coach Mike Matulia, who is the current Executive Director of Athletics and has been with LSSC Athletics since 1997.
Award winners will be recognized at a celebration event on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 6:00 pm at Mission Inn Resort & Club. You can RSVP to attend at www.lssc.edu/alumnihof.
Event capacity is limited and the use of face coverings/masks is required to accommodate safety protocols and prevent the spread of COVID-19.