Community leaders who also are Broward College alumni recently joined forces to re-launch the Broward College Alumni & Friends Association by sharing their ideas and vision for the association during a focus group.

“This is an historic moment for the college,” said Nancy R. Botero, executive director of the Broward College Foundation.   “As we move from a two- to a four-year college, it’s important that we hear from our prestigious alumni, so we have the opportunity to build on our strengths, engage our alumni and chart the future of the association.”

Participating alumni included Carla Almeida, Ashley Airaghi, Michael Borrone, Judge Catalina Avalos, Dr. Robert Easton, Jr., Fran Fletcher, Mark Fried, James Funk, Mark Kerney, Teresa Sjogren and Kyle Boos.  Also in attendance was Broward College Foundation Board Member David Lindemann with his wife, Micki, as well as Broward College staff members.

“The education I received at Broward College rivals any top-ranked school,” said alumni Kyle Boos.  “We have distinguished alumni such as Judge Catalina Avalos who started here and went on to do great things.  We want to celebrate that tradition and give back to the college to help future students realize their dream of obtaining a college education.”

“We want to build the stature and value of a Broward College degree,” added Ashley Araghi, former Broward College Student Government president and student representative on the Broward College Foundation Board. 

Foundation Executive Director Botero also began her road to higher education at Broward College.  She went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s degree from Florida Atlantic University. 

“I am proud to have started my academic experience at Broward College,” said Botero.  “Through my work at the foundation and the college, it is an honor to help provide opportunities for others to pursue their goals and passions by making higher education attainable.”

Broward College alumni are welcome to participate in the Alumni & Friends Association.  For more information, call 954-201-7414. 

(L-R - front) Ashley Airaghi, Professor Rolando Branly, Teresa Sjogren, Esq., Judge Catalina Avalos, (L-R - 2nd row - side) Nancy Botero, Dr. Robert Easton, Jr., (L-R - 3rd row - back) - Frances Fletcher, Michael Borrone, James Funk, Kyle Boos, Mark Kerney and Mark Fried.