Kathy Leigh Berkowitz

Polk State Student Publishes Book About Childhood Abuse, Forgiveness

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Kathy Leigh Berkowitz

With the help of inspiration she found at Polk State, student Kathy Leigh Berkowitz has published a book titled, “The Brighter Side of a Darker Thing” — an apt name for a work that has its beginnings in childhood sexual abuse, but that ends with forgiveness and new happiness.

Christy Sallee

Polk Pianist Gets “Second Chance,” Pursues Dream at USF

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Christy Sallee

Christy Sallee didn’t take a direct route or follow a conventional timetable in studying music at the university level. But she got there nonetheless, and Polk State helped her along the way. Sallee is Polk…

Polk State Alumnus Named Head of Walt Disney World Resort

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Polk State College alumnus George Kalogridis has been named president of Walt Disney World Resort, 42 years after he was hired as a busboy for the then-fledgling amusement park. His ascent to the highest ranks…

Polk State Grad Goes from Ph.D. to Judge’s Chambers

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

It’s a steamy September afternoon, rain dotting the downtown Bartow pavement, when a visitor pulls open the door of Combee Law Firm, expecting the leather-bound, receptionist-guarded austerity so typical of law offices. Instead, the door…

Alumna Started Journey to ‘Dream Job’ at Polk State

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

For years, Brenda Patterson rose with the sun, tied on her shoes, and set off by foot to what was then Polk Community College. She walked for miles and miles across North Lakeland, watching as…

Michelle Manzi

Professor Is Music Department’s “Missing Piece”

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

Michelle Manzi

In her five-year run as an adjunct professor, Michelle Manzi resurrected the Polk State Music Department’s emphasis on female vocals and established the ever-growing women’s chorus, Dolce Fiamma. So who could blame Director John Anderson…

Polk State Dean Also Pastor of 400-Member Tampa Church

Posted on by Polk Newsroom

To know Reggie Webb is to know a man of two completely different identities — or so it would seem. During the workweek, he is Polk State College’s Lakeland dean of student services. He wears…

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