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Remembering Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Horikami
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Horikami,
a beloved faculty member in the School of Biological and Physical Sciences and former
Chair of the School. Sandy passed away on March 8.
“Sandy was a lovely person and a wonderful colleague,” said Karen Koory, Chair of the School of Biological and Physical Sciences. “She had a passion for teaching science and was always striving to do the best for her students. She was highly creative, designing assignments that engaged her students – so much so that other faculty adopted them in their own courses.”
Sandy joined the College in 1996, teaching microbiology and biology. She was promoted to full professor in 2006, later becoming Assistant Chair of the School of Biological and Physical Sciences. From 2010 to 2019 she served as Chair before retiring as Professor Emerita in 2022.
Throughout her career, she inspired countless students, many of whom went on to become nurses, physical therapists, and physicians. Beyond her contributions to education, Sandy was deeply engaged in her community, serving as President of the League of Women Voters and advocating for causes she cared about. She was also a devoted animal lover.
Honoring her wishes, there will be no memorial service.
Palm Coast Songwriters Festival Discount Tickets
Join us April 30 at the Flagler/Palm Coast Campus Amphitheater for a special kickoff show of the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival. This will be an amazing music event where you hear the stories behind the songs and hear them performed by incredible artists. In addition, we’ll also celebrate the newly renovated Alan Smolen Center Amphitheater.
This special event features recording artist Michael Ray who has four top 10 hits along with other charted hits. Michael will be playing with his great songwriter friends Brock Berryhill (“What Happens in a Small Town,” “Good as You,” and “Homesick”) and Josh Phillips (“Dirt Cheap,” “Angels Working Overtime,” and “The Man He Sees in Me”); plus the amazing Wynn Varble (“Waitin On a Woman” and “Have You Forgotten”), Matt Alderman (“Can’t Have Mine” and “Truth About You”), Karen Staley (“Keeper of the Stars” and “Take Me As I Am”), and Ashley Estevez (local songwriter now making her mark in Nashville).
Beginning March 15, DSC students and staff will receive a limited time discount for general admission tickets for $20 per ticket. (Regular general admission is $30 per ticket; limit of two discounted tickets per purchase). A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to the Flagler County Education Foundation for the purpose of funding scholarships to Daytona State College students.
For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.palmcoastsongwritersfestival.com and use the discount code DSCSTUDENTS or DSCSTAFF.
Remembering Dr. Nancy Duke
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Nancy Duke, a longtime professor and mentor to countless DSC students, who passed away on February 6.
Nancy, a history professor in the School of Social Sciences since 2007, was instrumental in launching the College’s annual Black History, Women's History, and Constitution Day Student Discussions. She moderated the first two years and contributed to other student events, continuously championing student engagement—even when unable to participate directly.
“Dr. Duke brought history to life, and she was cherished by her coworkers, students and everyone in the community she worked with,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, president of Daytona State. “Her intellect, enthusiasm and warmth will be greatly missed.”
Nancy served as Lead Instructor of History and was a pioneer in service learning at the College, engaging both in-person and virtual students in projects that promoted community institutions such as the Flagler County African American History Museum, Flagler County’s Heritage Highway, the Florida Agriculture Museum, and Bulow Plantation Ruins Historical Park.
“Dr. Duke had a passion for helping her students achieve their dreams,” said Dr. Michael Flota, Chair, School of Social Sciences. "She coveted her African American history class and giving back to the community through service-learning and the many talks and presentations she gave throughout her career. Her impact on our community cannot be overstated. The world is a little less bright without her in it, but she has left a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the privilege to know her.”
Beyond the classroom, she held leadership roles as President of Heritage Crossroads, Vice President of Friends of Tomoka Parks and Bulow Park Alliance, and Vice President of the Fort Fulton Historic Trust and was supportive of countless other historical groups.
Nancy was a devoted wife and furbaby mama to her many animals that she spoke of so often. She is survived by her husband Michael Birkhead of Palm Coast, her brother Bill and family, and sister Susan and family.
We would like to invite you to a memorial service to honor the life and career of our dear colleague, Dr. Nancy Duke.
Details of the Service:
- Date: March 7
- Time: 3 p.m.
- Location: Flagler/Palm Coast Campus, Classroom/Student Center Building (Bldg. 3), Room 105
The service will feature speakers who will share their memories of Nancy, and we will provide light refreshments. We encourage everyone to come and share their own memories and stories about her.
Your presence will be a meaningful way to celebrate Dr. Duke's legacy and the impact she had on all of us. We look forward to seeing you there.
Remembering Margaret “Maggie” Thompson
Margaret “Maggie” Thompson, a longtime member of the Daytona State College Foundation Board of Directors, passed on January 30.
Maggie had a lifelong love and passion for music and education, serving on the Daytona Beach Symphony Board and the DSC Foundation. She joined the Foundation Board in 1999 and was a tireless advocate for students striving to improve their lives through education. Her commitment to the College continued a family legacy – her mother, Jeanne M. Goddard, was an inaugural member of the Daytona Beach Community College District Board of Trustees and DBCC Foundation. The Jeanne M. Goddard Center on the Daytona Beach Campus was named in her honor.
Maggie’s kindness and unwavering support touched countless lives. There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, March 15, at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Port Orange.
U.S. News & World Report Ranks Daytona State’s Online Bachelor’s Programs Among the Best in the U.S. for 13th Straight Year
DSC is ranked the No. 1 non-university college in the U.S. and moved up in rankings for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans
The organization ranked Daytona State 21st of all colleges and universities in the country for offering the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs – up seven places over 2024. DSC is ranked 13th in the nation for the Best Online Bachelor’s Program for Veterans – an increase of five places. DSC was also ranked 151st in the nation for Best Online Bachelor’s Business Program.
Expanding the On-Campus Living Experience
Our capital campaign to build a second student residence hall on the Daytona Beach
Campus is underway and you are invited to help our students!
The new facility, which is expected to house approximately 256 students, could open as early as Fall 2026.
Our first residence hall has been a resounding success. It opened to full capacity in Fall 2022. It is already at full capacity for the upcoming academic year. And we have received more than 1,000 student housing applications in less than one year.
When we began studying the possibility of building housing on campus in 2018, a study we commissioned showed the college could support more than 500 students. Initial plans for the second residence hall call for approximately 52,000 square feet of space and approximately 256 beds.
We know that students who live on campus are more engaged with their instructors, utilize academic support systems more frequently, and participate more in on-campus activities.
With the DSC Foundation, we’re launching a $15 million capital campaign. Donations from the community will ensure our residence hall will be an affordable and accessible option for students. We need your support. Make your gift here, or contact the Daytona State College Foundation at Foundation@DaytonaState.edu or by calling (386) 506-3195.
You can learn more at the new residence hall web page and keep tabs on the campaign’s progress.
Honoring Employee Harun Thomas
A native of the Philadelphia-Delaware area, Harun first experienced Florida when his family moved here when he was in high school. He returned to the northeast to pursue a degree in math education, but found his true passion in English and Journalism, eventually earning a Ph.D. in English from the University of Florida in 2008. He and his family settled in Ormond Beach that same year, ostensibly to teach at Mainland High School. We were fortunate to have him join us the following year and he has been a valued member of the School of Communication ever since.
He enjoys connecting with each class, tailoring assignments to enhance their learning experience. One of his techniques involves using graffiti as a learning tool instead of a traditional textbook. This allows him to introduce students to communication concepts through one of the oldest forms of expression. It has not only transformed how students perceive graffiti but also broadened their understanding of communication as a whole.
His work has inspired colleagues to grow and consider new teaching methodologies. He balances his charisma and positivity with a thoughtful intensity.
Harun’s dedication and creative approach continue to leave an indelible mark on the Daytona State College community.
Please join us in recognizing Harun’s significant accomplishments as an educator.
Honoring Employee Heather Hanger
It is with great pleasure that I share news of Heather Hanger receiving a Service Excellence Award this week at our Senior Executive Staff meeting.
Heather joined us as a student work study in 2019 and became full-time in 2020 with Records and Registration in our Call Center. The Center handles an average of 200 calls daily, surging to 500 during peak times. Beyond assisting students and families, she has eagerly expanded her expertise, gaining extensive knowledge of enrollment processes.
She has developed skills in enrollment reporting, troubleshooting errors and creating training guides and sessions for colleagues. Always quick to provide information to our students, she also enjoys helping with busy times in the records department with graduation.
A proud DSC alum, Heather earned an Associate of Science degree, certificates in Office
Administration and Office Management, an Associate of Arts degree, and a BAS – all
with honors. Outside of DSC, she enjoys kayaking, gardening and baking.
Please join us in congratulating Heather for her outstanding service and commitment
to our mission.