FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 25, 2009
Media Contact: Michael Corby 904.632.3310 (desk); 904-608-0415 (cell)

New Era in Education: Florida State College at Jacksonville Begins its First Academic Year

What:	Florida State College at Jacksonville: first day of Fall Term 2009
When:	August 31, 2009

Details: Florida State College at Jacksonville students, faculty and staff celebrate the beginning of a new era of educational opportunity with the beginning of the 2009-2010 academic year. It’s a big day for the First Coast, academically and economically. Leaders local and statewide are already rallying with their support:

“The new baccalaureate degree programs [at our new state college] will enhance the Jacksonville community and the state of Florida through quality higher education. I am grateful our students will have greater access to programs that strengthen Florida’s workforce for the high-tech, high-wage jobs that are so important to our state’s economy”
-Florida Governor Charlie Crist

“FCCJ as we knew it has been important to our workforce and raising educational standards in our city. Now, with its expanded role and new name, we have even greater expectations for what the college will do to make Jacksonville better.”
-Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton

“It will add immeasurably to the quality of life in Jacksonville, and help us be even more competitive in economic development.”
-Wally Lee, president, Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce

The entire community can experience much of this historic day by watching online at www.fscj.edu/firstday. Videos, photos and interviews will be posted throughout the day. The former FCCJ officially began doing business as Florida State College at Jacksonville on August 1.

MEDIA NOTE: South and Downtown campuses are inviting local media to participate in the celebration at campus locations — student gathering places like the courtyards, cafés and student lounges. The bookstores will be busy and students will have their opinions about the new name, the new school — and the new t-shirts, which you can show off in live hits and even help give out to students. Students, faculty and College leaders will be available for live interviews. We look forward to a truly exciting first day and really want you to be part of it — so let’s plan on you being there. You can get the best coverage and be part of our history!

South Campus is located at 11901 Beach Blvd.; Downtown Campus is located at 101 W. State St.