The Impact of Education and the Spirit of Community with Palm Beach State College
What do an architect, a nutrition expert, and a professional golfer have in common? If you said Palm Beach State College, you’d be right, as late last year, three distinguished alumni earned well-deserved honors.
In November 2025, the community gathered for Palm Beach State College’s third annual Emerald Torch Awards Gala. With no shortage of prestigious gala events around town, Florida’s oldest public college set itself apart with a nod toward these hometown heroes in their respective fields.
George Gentile, senior partner at Gentile Holloway O’Mahoney 2GHO Inc., applauded PBSC’s role in launching his career and highlighted some of his proudest projects, including the site plan design of Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter and a myriad of locations throughout northern Palm Beach County.
Wolfgang Brunet, a Cuban immigrant and founder and CEO of Ideal Nutrition, credited PBSC for helping him get to where he is today and shaping his entrepreneurial journey. With his parents attending the gala, Wolfgang shared a heartfelt message that they believed in him before he believed in himself.
David Ladd, PGA golf professional and general manager at The Champions Club in Stuart, reflected on his formative PBSC golf experience and encouraged students to embrace their passions and remember that “the sky is the limit.”
Delivering accolades with typical eloquence, PBSC President Ava L. Parker, J.D., reminded nearly 400 guests that today’s Palm Beach State is the heart of Palm Beach County, impacting not only local businesses but also actual lives. George, Wolfgang, and David deftly represent the outstanding role Palm Beach State plays in equipping the community’s various industries with stellar individuals, learners, and leaders.
Closing the evening on a heartfelt note, Palm Beach State student trustee Michael Derilus shared his powerful story of perseverance. From struggling in high school to earning a Dr. Floyd F. Koch Presidential Honors College scholarship, Michael represents the transformative impact that the College has on thousands of lives.
One of twelve siblings, Michael is the first in his family to attend college and now serves as the vice president of the Honors Student Advisory Council. Inspiring guests to a standing ovation, Michael expressed a genuine, strong sentiment.
“Through PBSC’s Summer Bridge Program, I discovered a powerful community, incredible faculty, and life-changing resources. For the first time, I felt like I belonged in a place built for growth. Palm Beach State College didn’t just open doors for me; it helped me believe I deserved to walk through them.”
Palm Beach State College’s 2025 Emerald Torch Awards Gala took place at SoFi Center, the exclusive home of TGL, the new professional golf league that fuses advanced technology and live action to create a unique experience at this first-of-its-kind venue.
Indicative of Palm Beach State’s high-tech educational programming, SoFi Center is perfectly at home on the Palm Beach Gardens campus, offering an extraordinary sports, media, and hospitality experience. Showcasing state-of-the-art innovation just as the College is delivering exceptional education through innovative technology, TGL is broadcast weekly, live on ESPN from Palm Beach State.
The Emerald Torch Awards Gala shined a spotlight on excellence, opportunity, and transformation, celebrating the impact of higher education and the spirit of our community.
