I am honored to invite Dr. @OGutierrezCuba — award-winning author and co-founder of the Cuban Democratic Directorate — as our keynote speaker for @PolkState’s inaugural event in observance of Victims of Communism Day. Join us on November 5 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the Lakeland Campus in LTB 1100. Dr. Gutiérrez-Boronat will examine the historical record of communist regimes and the experiences of someone who lived under them. Opportunities like this are part of my commitment to fostering civic engagement and informed citizenship.

We enjoyed our first FallFest on the @PolkState Winter Haven Campus! This nearly four-decade tradition brings 100+ vendors and 1,000+ visitors to our campus each year. FallFest is a Polk County staple and is one more way our College brings the community together because #WeArePolk!

Today marks my 90th day with @PolkState and the momentum is not stopping here. We will continue to be intentional in our services and support of students. We will remain committed to helping them find their purpose and develop into well-informed citizens. We will be innovative in responding to workforce needs and prepare graduates who are ready to lead. We are proud that Polk State College is a place Where Eagles Soar!

Congratulations to @Polk_Athletics goalkeeper Sofia Zapata, @TheFCSAA Goalkeeper of the Week! This is a well-deserved honor for Zapata. My daughters and I were wowed at the September 23 match against second-ranked Falcons, who she held scoreless for more than 89 minutes. Polk State Soccer and our student-athletes continue to make me proud — #SoarEagles!

Thank you to @Metallica’s @AWMHFoundation for its continued support of @PolkState. Our College has benefited from more than $200,000 from their generosity and investment in workforce education. Polk State remains committed to ensuring our students are prepared not only to earn credentials, but to enter the workforce with the skills and confidence needed to succeed.

U.S. Congressman Byron Donalds reminded us that we are the progeny of great work, and that each generation must choose the freedoms, protections, and liberties of our Constitution. Students heard not only history, but a charge to protect the Constitution and remain civically engaged. Thank you, @RepDonaldsPress, for inspiring our students and community.

Twenty-five years ago, America was changed forever. In a single morning, 2,977 innocent lives were taken by pure evil, hundreds of courageous first responders made the ultimate sacrifice, and families across the country were stripped of their loved ones. We pause to remember those who passed away, those who still carry grief, and those who served and continue to serve our great nation. At Polk State College, we treat the names and stories of September 11, 2001, with tremendous honor and respect. We will never forget.

Thankful to join @FIUPresident Nuñez and @USF_Pres Limayem as we watched my alma mater @FIU take on @USouthFlorida. It was also fun catching up with fellow FIU alum Senator @BryanAvilaFL and Congressman @ByronDonalds, who will soon keynote @PolkState’s Constitution Day at our Lakeland Campus.