Lake-Sumter State College

“We just coordinated a community service day involving 31 sites across Lake and Sumter Counties. This event saw over 250 of our employees—and many students, including around 130 student-athletes—actively participating in various service activities. It’s an integral part of our ethos to extend our impact beyond our campuses into the wider community,” she highlights the scale and breadth of this initiative. She explains the operational logistics that make such a widespread community impact possible. “We operate a community service committee that identifies opportunities for involvement. For our service day, we coordinate with numerous non-profits in the area to create meaningful projects for our teams. Participants sign up via our website and kick off the day with a large breakfast on campus before dispersing across the county to engage in their chosen activities,” Dr. Bigard explains.“These activities are not only SECO Energy is a not-for-profit electric cooperative that serves over 240,000 members in seven Central Florida counties. SECO’s journey from a small, rural cooperative formed over 85 years ago to become the seventh largest cooperative in the nation is remarkable. In the 1930s, residents formed cooperative utilities to bring electric service to underserved areas nationwide. This spirit of togetherness made member-owned electric cooperatives among the first inclusive organizations that welcomed all who could join. While its roots are humble, today SECO is a dynamic and future-ready cooperative utility. SECO remains steadfast in its commitment to its Mission of providing reliable and innovative energy services to its members and communities, a commitment that it continually evolves and adapts to. SECO Energy members expect reliable, safe, and economical energy. SECO’s dedicated team is meeting these needs by adopting innovative energy solutions such as Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and electric vehicle (EV) charging incentives to expand member engagement and energy efficiency. SECO Energy is building a brighter future in Central Florida. Visit for the sunshine and beaches and stay to make your mark by joining a talented team in a vital industry. LAKE-SUMTER STATE COLLEGE