Foundation Newsletter
EFSC Foundation awards 2021 Distinguished Alumni
The Eastern Florida State College Foundation announced three 2021 Distinguished Alumni , surprising each with the announcement , presentation of their awards and yard decorations at their homes .
This year ’ s honorees are Michael Cadore , Associate Provost of the EFSC Cocoa Campus ; Ashley McGrath , Quality Analyst at J . Lodge , a Cognosante Company ; and Michael Stephens , Security Manager for the Orlando Utilities Commission .
Board members Trizia Eavenson and Pam Persse surprised the recipients with in-person presentations .
“ We are thrilled to recognize these distinguished EFSC alumni ,” said EFSC Foundation Board Chair , Bill Row . “ EFSC is the foundation for the success of so many of us here on the Space Coast . It is an honor to showcase them and the impact they have had on their community .”
Michael Cadore
Cadore is a community leader with more than three decades of experience in education , public safety , civic and community engagement , and mentoring . He currently serves as the Associate Provost for Eastern Florida State College and adjunct instructor . In November 2019 , he retired from the Rockledge Police Department and now serves his city as a
Rockledge city councilman .
A 1990 EFSC graduate , Cadore holds a master ’ s degree in Management and Leadership from Webster University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Corrections & Administration of Justice from Eastern Kentucky University . He is currently a Doctorate in Education student at Capella University .
Ashley McGrath
McGrath graduated from EFSC in 2006 with her A . A . Degree .
She was no ordinary student .
She was born with Campomelic Syndrome , a rare genetic disorder that includes symptoms such as deformed bones and muscle weakness . She was not supposed to live past her first birthday .
A wheelchair user with a hearing impairment , she was undaunted by what she could not do , focusing instead on what she could do and excelling at it .
She was in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society , an All-Florida Academic Team member , a Citizen Scholar and earned numerous awards .
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She earned both a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology from UCF . In 2020 , she was recognized by the UCF Space Coast Chapter Alumni Chapter with the prestigious Notable Knight Award .
She is a published author , a blogger and a voracious volunteer .
Michael Stephens
Stephens graduated from EFSC in 1972 with his A . A . Degree , transferring to Florida State University where he earned both his Bachelor of Science Degree ( 1974 ) and his Master of Science Degree in Criminology ( 1975 ).
In 1985 , he was hired as a Special Agent ( SA ) with the United States Treasury Department , Internal Revenue Service , Criminal Investigation Division . In addition to his SA duties , he was assigned as the Use of Force Training Coordinator for the Tampa Field Office ’ s 80 Special Agents .
Michael was also assigned to the United States Secret Service assisting with dignitary protection details during election years . In 2007 , he retired from this Federal law enforcement agency after serving for 32 years .
Stephens is currently a sergeant with the Brevard County Sheriff ’ s Office Reserve Unit . He provides security to the citizens of Brevard County and is assigned to lead the Dignitary Protection Unit . This is a voluntary unit where he is a fully certified law enforcement officer .
He is employed as the manager in charge of the Security Division for the Orlando Utilities Commission . He directs the activities that secure the critical infrastructure of this utility company .