For nearly two decades, Gina Ricard’s unwavering dedication to the respiratory care program at Hillsborough College (HC) shaped a legacy that continues to inspire students, alumni and faculty alike. As she retires from her educator role, she reflects on her time at HC and the meaningful milestones she shared with generations of respiratory students and colleagues.
Gina long aspired to enter education after her time as a practicing therapist just down the street at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was recommended for an open position at HC in August 2007 and applied, encouraged by those who saw her natural gift for teaching.
“It was a wish before I moved to Florida. It doesn’t hurt to apply,” Gina said. “My wish was respiratory education. I would attempt to be a teaching assistant on the weekend, and that sparked a fire in me to move into education.”
Respiratory education opened doors for Gina—through committees, returning to school and professional development. She returned to school and completed her master’s with 30 credits above the minimum, stopping short of completing her Doctor of Education Degree.
Gina also worked on the Florida Society for Respiratory Care (FRSC) board, engaging in conferences, statewide programs and co-operative COPD action groups in England, forming international economic connections.
“I don’t think I would’ve had the same opportunity if I wasn’t at the College,” she said. “I never imagined the reach my work would have at my level of involvement, both in Florida and at the international level.”
Gina’s role in the respiratory program included advising a student club and mentoring newly hired therapists who stepped into her former clinical role. From 2007–2020, she served as the advisor for the respiratory care student club.
“It’s very rewarding. I never regretted it—I realized it was my niche,” she said. “I loved the position; I loved the field, and it opened doors. Education became my calling, and I had a fulfilling 18-year career at the College.”
For current and future HC students, Gina encourages them to pursue a profession that brings joy and purpose.
“Always strive to be the best you can be,” she said. “You don’t realize if one door closes, one door might not open the way you wanted, but another may open that leads you to something greater. Things happen for a reason, and life takes you on a journey.”
Gina championed the creation of a scholarship to help respiratory care students pursue rewarding experiences. The
Respiratory Care Program Endowment received funds from the National Board for Respiratory Care in 2022 and 2024. Gina believes the scholarship will support students who will one day care for someone’s loved one and serve patients with compassion.
“I want to consider the impact of what I’m doing and how this will change the world,” she said. “In the next five years, we’ll see tons of changes in the medical field. Every advancement begins with education, and I believe this scholarship will have an exponential impact.”
Gina emphasizes the importance of utilizing the College’s resources, like the HC Foundation’s scholarships, which she’s supported for years. She often directed students to the Career Resource Centers on each campus to find resources to better their success both in and outside of college.
“It’s an underutilized source that some don’t know is there. For the past six years, I’ve integrated the Career Resource Center into the program,” she said. “I’d send my students to the library to find resources online and check out books to study. These resources are a lifeline, and they’ll always be there for students who seek them.”
Gina also helped create an escape room during HC’s annual Career Quest event, where incoming high school students explore college programs. She also collaborated with the Allied Health faculty to develop a simulation lab escape room, inviting students to sample different medical fields and discover their interests.
“Hopefully, one of those students fully enrolled in the respiratory program. I feel that people are sometimes intimidated by going to college,” she said. “HC has great opportunities for them to try their hand and realize they belong.”
Gina plans to continue holding her FRSC executive board position past her retirement. She will travel across states to advocate for respiratory care legislation in Florida and will soon travel to Washington, D.C., with the American Association for Respiratory Care to promote those initiatives.
“I’m a doer, and I take on a fair amount,” she said. “I don’t anticipate pulling away either. I want to keep those doors open. You don’t know what opportunities lie ahead.”
Gina’s gratitude for the College is reflected in the lives she’s touched.
“I’m very grateful to the College for giving me the opportunity to impact the lives of hundreds of students who went on to become the best respiratory therapists that they could be,” she said. “I know I impacted the community, knowing my graduates have gone on to become respiratory therapists at all the local hospitals. It’s humbling to see their success and know I played a part.”
“For students who are high achievers, the College lessens their burden of paying out for a four-year degree, when getting an associate’s can give opportunities and perspectives they’ve never thought of,” she said. “The level of education here is transformative, and giving back to the community is life changing. Hillsborough College gives people the chance to be successful—whether through an associate’s, bachelor’s or certificate.”
Gina has met and come to admire many people during her time at the College. She admires the Dean of Health Sciences, Leif Penrose, for always being an open listener and offering thoughtful advice. She knew Rich Senker, vice president for Academic Affairs, as a faculty member and couldn’t speak more highly of him and all that he’s done at the College. She thanks Faculty United Service Association president, Sheryl Sippel, for her influence and dedication to the HC community. She appreciated mentoring Scott Miller into a program manager and valued her collaboration with Associate Dean of Nursing, Laura Lewicki, who fostered a strong relationship between the respiratory care and nursing programs.
“I’ve had such a big part of my career in this program that I’ll stay involved in my community. It’s hard to cut ties after 18 years,” she said. “A heartfelt thank you to the entire HC community for their knowledge, dedication and friendship. I enjoyed my time here. It wasn’t just a job—it felt like family.”
For more information on HC's respiratory care associate in science program, please visit our website.