The College of the Florida Keys Foundation recently received a donation from the Trust of the late Paula Jean Carbonell for $495,976.30. The bequeath will be used to create an endowment to support students in the Marine Environmental Technology and Marine Engineering Management and Seamanship programs. By endowing the funds, only the interest earned is expended, allowing the gift to support students in perpetuity and create a lasting legacy for Carbonell.

“As we prepare to usher in the unofficial start of summer with backyard barbecues, boating, and fireworks, I ask the community to join the CFK Family to reflect on why this day is important. Memorial Day is a time to honor the memories of those who died for our country. It is a time for heroes, both those who have fallen and those who are still living. We thank our military, as well as law enforcement officers, healthcare professionals, and other first responders for working tirelessly to protect American lives.

The College of the Florida Keys held its sixty-eighth Commencement Exercises for the spring class of 2024 on Friday, May 3 in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. Ninety-four graduates donned blue and orange graduation attire to receive their diplomas. The College expects to award a combined total of approximately 116 credentials, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and college credit certificates, to spring graduates.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites prospective students to learn about its Apprenticeships in Construction Technologies at a virtual information event on Wednesday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. CFK is offering Electrical and Carpentry programs in Key West and the Upper Keys this upcoming fall semester, which begins August 19. The deadline to apply is July 1.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) welcomes the community to celebrate the arts at two annual events on Wednesday, April 24 at the Key West Campus. Attendees are invited to start with the Mud-Pi Dinner, 4- 6 p.m., in the Ceramics Studio, featuring savory tastings created by culinary students and served in unique bowls created by ceramics students. Afterwards, attendees can head to the Student Art Show, which runs from 5 to 7 p.m. and features a range of art created by students over the past year.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) invites the community to attend its CFK Poetics event on April 18 at 5 p.m. at the Tennessee Willliams Theatre on the Key West Campus. The annual visiting poets activity will feature a live reading from acclaimed poet Lauren K. Alleyne. She will read some of her work and take questions from the audience. The event is free for all attendees.

The College of the Florida Keys continues its 2024 VIP Series with “State of the National Marine Sanctuary” on Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. in the Tennessee Williams Theatre on the Key West Campus. The presentation will be led by Sarah Fangman, the Superintendent of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. In its tenth season, the College’s VIP Series invites the community to learn from the Views, Ideas, and Perspectives of speakers of local, regional, and national prominence. The 2024 season includes presentations that focus on timely topics relevant to Keys’ audiences.

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) welcomes Dr. Monekka Munroe as the Vice President of Academic Affairs. She will start full-time with the College in May. A member of CFK’s senior leadership team and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Munroe will lead the academic affairs division, which includes the academic divisions of Arts and Hospitality, Marine Science and Technology, and Sciences and Nursing, as well as Student Success Services and the Learning Resource Center.

The College of the Florida Keys is accepting applications and registering students for its summer semester. CFK is offering three summer term options:

The College of the Florida Keys (CFK) will hold a virtual event for Monroe County high school students and their parents/ guardians to learn more about its Dual Enrollment opportunities on Wednesday, April 10 at 5:30 p.m. Through Dual Enrollment, high school students can simultaneously earn college and high school credits at no cost to the student. The program provides a head start to college for students while potentially saving families thousands of dollars. At the virtual event, CFK will discuss the benefits of taking Dual Enrollment classes, requirements to participate, and the application process.