Introducing the 2021 Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Award Recipients

Lake-Sumter State College and the LSSC Foundation are pleased to announce the 2021 Distinguished Alumni & Hall of Fame Award winners.

“This year’s winners represent a broad cross-section of our community and the significant impact that graduates of Lake-Sumter State College have in our local area,” says Dr. Laura Byrd, Senior VP of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the LSSC Foundation. “We’re proud of our more than 27,000 LSSC alumni who are making positive impacts in our local communities, Central Florida, and beyond each day. We look forward to every opportunity to recognize their contributions.

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 2021 recipient is Luis Santiago ‘17 of Clermont. Santiago is a Registered Nurse at Orlando Health South Lake Hospital

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 2021 recipient is Rona T. Rowe ’98 of Mount Dora. Rowe works at First National Bank of Mount Dora.

The Scholar Award recognizes an LSSC alumni who has demonstrated continual commitment to the field of education and works to instill a passion for learning in others. The 2021 recipient is Marjorie Wells ‘69 of Lake Panasoffkee. Wells is retired and was a teacher with Sumter County Schools for many years.

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 2021 recipient is Rod Price, ‘80 of Orlando. Price is an author, adventurer, world record holder, and owns his own business

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 2021 recipient is Capt. Christie Mysinger ‘13. Capt. Mysinger works for the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

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 2021 recipient is Marisa Bjorklund ‘20 of Lady Lake. Bjorklund is a Critical Care Registered Nurse at UF Health Leesburg Hospital.

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 2021 recipient is Dr. Linda Karp ‘03. Dr. Karp is an Instructor of Political Science.

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 2021 recipient is Dr. Christine Ramos. Dr. Ramos is the Director of Nursing Instruction.

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 Cecil Shumacker of Leesburg. Shumacker served on the LSSC District Board of Trustees from 1994 to 1999.

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 2021 recipient is John H. Meier, V, of Leesburg. Meier has been the scorekeeper for LSSC’s baseball team for the past twenty years.