Inspire Magazine 2021

INSPIRE A publication for alumni and friends of MJC, MCC and SCF

FALL 2021

SCF: Boldly Leading

SCF-Foundation.org

Help make higher education possible.

Cassandra Holmes 941-752-5390 HolmesC@SCF.edu SCF-Foundation.org

W 2021-2022 Board of Directors - Officers Dorothy Korszen, Esq., President Alix Morin, Vice President Jodi Allen, Treasurer Cassandra Holmes, Secretary Jim Captain Debi Cohoon Laura Cota Kathleen Cucci Dom DiMaio Michael Fuller Dr. Kimberly Hatchel TJ Kornett Lois Lucek Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld Chris Romine

Join Us There are many ways to take part in the mission of the SCF Foundation.

For more information, visit us at SCF-Foundation.org or call Cassandra Holmes, executive director, at 941-752-5654.

State College of Florida Foundation, Inc., P.O. Box 1849, Bradenton, FL 34206 941-752-5390 SCF-Foundation.org

Our Mission We connect donors’ passions and regional partners with State College of Florida’s outstanding students, faculty, programs and community, and we steward foundation assets consistent with our donors’ intent.

Our community quickly found itself in an unprecedented era this past spring: the COVID19 pandemic. In times of change and uncertainty, community leaders quickly pivot and develop new approaches to continue their mission forward. SCF and the Foundation engaged with Manatee and Sarasota County business leaders and community partners in a collaborative effort to maintain an accessible learning environment that results in student success, workforce training and community partnership and prosperity.

SCF has been resilient and worked hard to serve some of the most vulnerable affected this past spring and summer—the students of SCF. We provided internet hotspots in the parking lot, increased food pantry availability, held a virtual May graduation ceremony and converted our classes to 98% online in just three short days. We thank those that helped us raise $60,000 in SCF Coronavirus Student Emergency Grant funding.

Together, we helped students, with 60% of the funding used to keep students enrolled by providing funds for tuition, books and fees. The other 40% of the funding helped students move toward their educational goals by paying for their car repairs and insurance payments, keeping their internet service and home utilities on, and providing child care expenses. SCF quickly adjusted to the “new normal” by offering fall semester students a blended format: courses were delivered both online and in the classroom.

The SCF Foundation has invested in new technology to bring our donors and students together by having community members host virtual scholarship readings connecting in fun and engaging themes focused on scholarship. The capstone of this virtual effort was the 20th Annual Scholarship Luncheon, featuring keynote speaker Erin Gruwell, founder of Freedom Writers Foundation. Erin delivered an inspirational message on being a catalyst for change, reenergizing the passion for educating our communities’ children and future SCF students.

Willis Smith Construction and Tandem Construction never missed a day raising and renovating three new buildings at SCF Bradenton: the Studio for the Performing Arts, the 26 West Center and the new science building with state-of-the-art laboratories. I would be happy to provide a personal tour during the Spring semester!

During these challenging times, it is fitting that the theme of this issue is focused on overcoming student obstacles by developing a plan of action, highlighting philanthropy and leveraging partnership with purpose. The articles and profiles in this issue provide insight on the efforts of the entire SCF community to continue toward our common goal to support and create quality and innovative higher education and workforce training opportunities for our region.

As you read and listen to the Life-Changing Letters written by students receiving financial support, you can feel their heartfelt gratitude for those who have impacted their lives.

We thank you for your continued support as a member of the SCF family, whether an alum, event sponsor, scholarship or capital project donor, scholarship application reader or SCF Friend. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has,” said Margaret Mead.

We hope this issue will inspire you to keep SCF a high priority in your thoughts.

With gratitude, Cassandra Holmes, Executive Director INSPIRE 2021 3

WELCOME

Making Higher Education Possible.

elcome to the Fall 2021 edition of State College of Florida Foundation’s INSPIRE Magazine.

INSIDE 4 SCF-Foundation.org

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Alumni Profile Dr. Lashawn Frost

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Alumni Message Jennifer Rogers

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A Call for Help Answered

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Erin Gruwell Freedom Writers Foundation Founder

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New Science Building Highlights

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Remembering Robert C. Wynn

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Fiday Family Makes an Impact

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Board of Directors Spotlight: President Dorothy Korszen

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SCF Keeps Graduation Rolling

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Women in Leadership

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26 West Center

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Alumni Profile Luke Sandlin

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Studio for the Performing Arts

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Alumni Profile Virginia Villegas Romero

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SCF Foundation Board of Directors and SCF Foundation Staff

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SCF Foundation Online

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Alumni Profile Cucci Family

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Alumni Profile Natasha Wanjohi

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SCF Biotech Students’ Discovery

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Irving Brown and the American Dream

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SCF by the Numbers

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Volunteer Appreciation

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SCF Foundation Sponsor Thank You and Event Save the Dates On the cover: Cassandra Holmes, SCF Foundation executive director; Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, president of SCF; Dorothy Korszen, president of the SCF Foundation Board of Directors; Tracy Knight, chair of the SCF District Board of Trustees.

Life -Changing Letters

Dear B. Family, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for choosing me to receive your scholarship this semester.

I am honored to have met you at the scholarship luncheon at Michael’’s On East this past November and I enjoyed getting to meet and to get to know you both. It is because of generous people like you that I have been able to work less hours during my nursing school semesters and focus on being the best student and future nurse that I can be. I am so thankful for both your family and your scholarship and I can assure you that I will make you proud. I will be graduating in December from State College of Florida as a Registered Nurse and I am ecstatic to be able to give back to our community. I am looking forward to seeing you again at the scholarship luncheon in November and getting to thank you both in person for all that you have done for me.

Cassidy G.

Donate today and receive your own life -changing letter.

ALUMNI PROFILE

Passion for Leadership and Service Sends Frost to the Principal’s Office

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r. Lashawn Frost ‘90 is in her 10th year as the principal of Booker Middle School in Sarasota, a position that she never would have imagined while attending Manatee Community College (now SCF) more than 20 years ago. At that time, she planned to be a lawyer and was still on that path when she completed her undergraduate degree at Florida State University.

A summer volunteer position in an outreach program working with teenage mothers changed all that. She felt called to leadership, and her passion for service led to a fervent, if somewhat abrupt, shift in career paths.

“I always knew I was a leader, and I also desired to help people, students, children,” said Frost. “I went home that summer and told my parents I had changed my mind about law school.”

Frost instead attended the University of South Florida to earn a master’s degree in education, later earning her doctorate and attending Harvard University’s Art of Leadership Institute to prepare for the rigors of leading a school in the 21st century.

Her own experience finding her passion and turning it into a fulfilling career is emblematic of the motto she brought to Booker: “Where inner talent becomes outer strength.”

Frost cherished times she got to travel and see the world as a child and believes it helped shape the decisions she made later. She feels when she was a child there was less of a focus on establishing future careers, something she has made great strides changing at Booker.

done at Booker, including 2019 recognition as Sarasota County Principal of the Year. While running a school is time consuming, she still finds time to lead in the community on the Art Schools Network board and as board chair for Girls Inc. of Sarasota County.

“Volunteering and giving back was ingrained in me from the time I was a young child,” said Frost. “I believe all educators should connect with their communities in ways that give back.”

Frost valued her time as a student at SCF, which allowed her to start college while staying near family and the community she loved. She has at times returned to the College in an adjunct capacity to teach future teachers and sees SCF playing an important role in the region.

“The College has improved opportunities for everyone. For children who don’t have a chance to go away to university, at least not right away, and also for parents and working adults who are seeking to better themselves.”

The global pandemic has affected the education field more than most, but Frost has seen it as a challenge to take head on and overcome. She says it has highlighted the importance of teaching educators to be creative leaders in finding ways to offer rigorous education to students and empowering both the students and the teachers to work through struggles created by pandemic restrictions without lowering standards for achievement.

Whether it’s the investment in the students and teachers under her direction and care at Booker, or giving back to the community, Frost’s enthusiasm remains boundless. She describes the work as “a mission,” and it’s a mission for which she has enough passion to last a lifetime.

“Every child has a talent and a passion for something. They know who they are, and we should be helping develop that and helping them see where that talent and passion can lead for their future,” “The pandemic has said Frost.

Accolades have been frequent and impressive for the work Frost has 6 SCF-Foundation.org

created a lot of struggles for schools, but that’s OK if it’s productive struggle.

We’re up to the fight.”

Dr. Lashawn Frost

“I’ll never stop giving back. I may ‘retire’ from my career someday, but to me, ‘retire’ means to stop, so I won’t really retire until I take my last breath.”

Dear Alumni, If you are looking for inspiring stories of SCF alumni, look no further! Our alumni have grown to more than 55,000 strong! Students have excelled through online courses and virtual activities, and above all, continued to be a diverse, innovative and strong community.

My name is Jennifer Rogers, and I am your alumni relations coordinator. What does that mean for you?

I am here to support you! I have three action items that I challenge you to consider and reflect on.

ALUMNI MESSAGE

Did you receive a SCHOLARSHIP while attending MJC/MCC/SCF? I came to the SCF Foundation with one thing in mind—help support students and raise funds for scholarships. As a first-generation college student, I was honored and thankful for every one of the scholarships I received because I would not have graduated without them.

Are you in a place to help the SCF Foundation fund student learning? Your donation to the SCF Foundation will support us in providing scholarships to students in need and equipment to enhance the experience of all SCF students. No gift is too small.

I hope you'll consider paying it forward.

Connect with us.

You, our alumni, are the reason for INSPIRE magazine. I want to learn about you! What do you want from your alumni experience? What resources do you need? What events would you enjoy? How can we support YOU? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We will have an alumni survey coming soon. Show us you are #SCFProud!

I invite you to join us.

Next year my wish is that you will want to be a part of INSPIRE—that you want to share your story, volunteer for an event, or support SCF students with a gift of any size! Please know you can reach out to me at any time. I am here to support you!

I look forward to sharing more alumni resources, stories and achievements with our #Lancers and #Manatees as we all strive to grow and support each other in what SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld had dubbed “Business as Unusual.”

However you choose to stay connected to State College of Florida, remember we are #SCFProud of you!

Jennifer Rogers Advancement Associate, Community Engagement State College of Florida Foundation 941-752-5262 RogersJ@SCF.edu INSPIRE 2021 7

A Call for Help

Answered

hen it became clear that the COVID-19 pandemic was creating unprecedented economic hardships for SCF students, the SCF Foundation quickly enlisted the community's help—and the community responded with incredible generosity.

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The Foundation established a special Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund. Through this fund, students experiencing economic setbacks as a direct result of the pandemic received assistance with utility bills, child care expenses, medical bills, transportation costs, and tuition, fees and books.

With funds raised during the 2020 "#GivingTuesdayNow" campaign, the 2020 Giving Challenge and other individual gifts, the fund topped out at $42,905! This included incredibly generous support from the Suncoast Credit

Union Foundation ($25,000) and the Ralph S. French Charitable Foundation Trust ($10,000).

The Manatee County Government supplied an additional $12,000 in support through the CARES Act. Between the Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund and the CARES Act funding, 113 students received the help they desperately needed to continue their higher education journey.

Additional support came from the Manatee Community Foundation, which awarded a $5,000 grant to the Foundation to purchase food and toiletry items for the SCF Bradenton Food Pantry. All told, the Foundation provided nearly $60,000 worth of aid to SCF students, all thanks to the generosity of the Manatee and Sarasota County communities!

The SCF Foundation received more than $30,000 from the Florida College System Foundation to fund scholarships for first-generation college students and students from underrepresented populations.

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You Make the Difference SAVE THE DATE Annual Scholarship Luncheon Wednesday, November 2, 2022 Michael’s On East

Freedom Writers Foundation Founder Inspires Virtual Luncheon Attendees to Give to Education

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he SCF Foundation Annual Scholarship Luncheon, presented by the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation, is one of the signature philanthropic events in the Suncoast region. The luncheon is an opportunity for Foundation supporters to gather, meet with students who receive scholarships and hear updates on the impact SCF and the Foundation are making.

While an in-person gathering wasn’t an option in November 2020, it didn’t stop the Foundation from hosting a successful event. Adopting a virtual format for the 20th iteration of the luncheon proved to be an effective one-time substitute for the traditional program. As part of the new format, a nationally renowned keynote speaker was arranged with the support of the Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation—educator, author and Freedom Writers Foundation founder Erin Gruwell.

Gruwell’s educational philosophy fundamentally values and promotes diversity and has transformed her students’ lives. Her innovative teaching methods and powerful book, “The Freedom Writers Diary,” inspired the critically acclaimed 2007 film “Freedom Writers,” in which Gruwell was portrayed by Hilary Swank, and the 2019 PBS documentary “Freedom Writers Stories from the Heart.”

Gruwell reached the audience with a passionate speech about the importance of educating and supporting teachers so they can pass knowledge and compassion to their students. This topic has only grown in importance during the pandemic as teachers have faced new challenges almost daily.

In Florida, and especially in Manatee and Sarasota counties, the number of teachers needed is swelling with the ever-growing population. Part of the luncheon program focused on what SCF is doing to help. SCF offers an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree and three certificate programs applicable to careers in early childhood education. SCF is also home to the Educator Preparation Institute (EPI). At EPI, prospective teachers with a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education can become certified as a teacher in three or four semesters.

Through speeches and a rousing video presentation on how important teachers are through the eyes of children, the virtual luncheon succeeded in conveying the urgency with which challenges facing educators must be addressed. Thanks to generous donors and the support of event attendees, more than $78,000 was raised to support the work of the SCF Foundation.

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Thanks for making a difference in our community Bank of America recognizes State College of Florida Foundation. Community leaders like you are a vital resource and inspiration to us all. Thanks to you, progress is being made and our community is becoming a better place to live and work.

Visit us at bankofamerica.com/local.

©2021 Bank of America Corporation | MAP3424741 | ENT-216-AD

SCF Completes Science Complex with Addition of Building 25A SCF takes great pride in providing workforce-ready degree and certificate programs while also offering an outstanding associate in arts program to prepare students for university studies. Natural science is one of the longest-running fields in which SCF offers both opportunities. The completion of Building 25A and the remodeling of existing science facilities in Building 25 will improve the experience for all SCF students taking science courses.

“The renovations and addition allow SCF to meet its mission to respond to the needs of our community for highly educated and trained STEM graduates,” said Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, SCF’s president. “This project also increases our capacity to serve our community and students with the outstanding facilities they deserve.”

The new 11,900-square-foot Building 25A includes a faculty office suite and a 55-seat lecture hall on the first floor, and two labs, a lab prep room and a classroom on the second floor. One of the most important features of the project, noted by faculty members Dr. Josh Schulte and Dr. Jose Ors, was the space freed up in Building 25 to establish a collaborative area for students to connect in a relaxed environment.

“Especially in modern times, scientific achievements are made by a team,” said Schulte. “The new common area was designed with this in mind. It has comfortable furniture, tables and white boards so students can

12 SCF-Foundation.org

gather, work and make their own achievements.”

Building 25, at 20,400 square feet and one of SCF’s oldest and most-used academic buildings, was thoroughly renovated in the summer and fall of 2020.

Primarily used for the natural science department, courses administered in this building include biology, chemistry, health science and physics. It is also home to SCF’s exciting biotechnology program, which offers immersive experiences to prepare students for biomedical research, commercial labs and other applied areas of cutting-edge science.

SCF’s dean of nursing and health professions, Matthew Connell, also lauded the building. Connell noted the importance of a science foundation for students pursuing health care careers.

“This building is an extension of SCF’s commitment to providing engaging learning environments to support student success,” said Connell.

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obert C. Wynn, the first baseball coach and athletic director at SCF, passed away on June 26, 2021, at the age of 89.

Wynn was the architect of athletics at the College, and his impact on SCF since 1958 is still felt today. Known affectionately to friends and colleagues as “Skip,” Wynn established the baseball program at Manatee Junior College (now SCF) and led the team to seven state championships before stepping aside from coaching in 1981. He continued as athletic director and department chair for health and physical education until 1993 and remained an active supporter of SCF in his retirement years.

Coach Wynn shaped the lives of students not just at SCF but across Florida as one of the first presidents of the Florida College System Activities Association. On the baseball diamond, his teams helped establish Florida

SCF to Remember Wynn

during Hall of Fame Weekend SCF Athletics Hall of Fame Friday, January 21, 2022 Social Hour 6 p.m.

Dinner and Induction 7 p.m.

SCF Bradenton Dr. Stephen J. Korcheck Building 5840 26th St. W.

junior college baseball as a pipeline of talent and elite competition.

When Wynn retired after 22 seasons at the helm, his “scoreboard” established a legacy for future generations of coaches and players to aspire to —576 victories, seven Florida State Championships, five National Tournament appearances and three runnerup finishes in 1963, 1968 and 1972. Wynn's program produced 128 Major League players and 27 All-American players.

SCF will celebrate Wynn’s memory when it convenes its Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, January 21, 2022, for the first time since January 2020. Funds will be raised during the event to support the Robert C. Wynn Achievement Scholarship.

The weekend will continue with a baseball alumni game on January 22, as well as an outdoor memorial ceremony at Wynn Field.

INSPIRE 2021 13

Fiday Family Makes Impact With Scholarships and Mentorship

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inding a way to give back within their new community was a priority for Gloria and Ray Fiday after they moved from Chicago to Florida. After high school, due to family responsibilities and financial limitations, both Gloria and Ray attended community college.

“Community college was a profoundly important stepping stone that allowed us to attain our advanced degrees. Without it, we would not have been able to realize our professional dreams,” explained Gloria.

Ray completed his Bachelor of Science in business administration at Northern Illinois University and Gloria continued her education in clinical social work at The University of Chicago and ultimately completed her Ph.D. They are paying it forward through both the financial commitment to supporting an annual scholarship but also giving time to mentor students.

ambassadors as they prepared their speeches for the Avenues to the Future fundraiser. While attending the event, Ray made a deeper connection with one ambassador, Juwaan Jenkins, and has taken on a mentoring role.

Ray meets with Jenkins regularly for poolside chats at the Fiday’s residence. Jenkins, a leader in the Student Government Association and former Florida College System Activities Association Student of the Month, is an avid sports fan who hopes to turn his passion into a career in sports. Ray has imparted knowledge from his years in sales on how to build and other people nurture a network of connections to advance a career.

“We want to envision themselves sponsoring scholarships and being mentors too, helping to reach even more students.”

Ray and Gloria had already started a scholarship fund in Chicago and seen the impact it made for the recipients. The couple were impressed by the SCF Foundation and the enthusiasm of its executive director, Cassandra Holmes, and knew SCF was the right place to continue their philanthropic giving. They have targeted their funding to support first-generation college students who have taken part in the College Reach-Out Program (CROP) or Summer Bridge program.

“I like helping people, connecting people together. He asks the right questions, and together we’ve come up with some really good ideas on how to pursue his professional career aspirations,” said Ray.

“He (Ray) always is telling me how important it is to just keep getting to know people, be authentic with people, and keep branching out,” said Jenkins. “Be genuine, be honest, and tell people your goals.”

Gloria Fiday

“Giving first-generation students a boost was very important to us,” said Ray. “We’re able to assist them, and the way it’s structured, for each student we support, the state provides matching funds to help a second student.”

Gloria and Ray are quick to note that it doesn’t take huge sums of money to make a life-changing investment in a student. Their financial commitment comes from a passion for making education available, and they have budgeted accordingly to make their scholarship fund a reality. The relationships they’ve made with their scholarship recipients and with students like Juwaan are a priceless reward.

The Fiday’s dedication to giving back isn’t limited to financial gifts.

Gloria volunteered in 2020 to assist the Foundation’s student

“I strongly encourage others to consider becoming donors,” said Gloria. “It’s such a powerful investment in the future.”

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here was no “aha!” moment for Dorothy Korszen ‘78 that made her realize how important it was to support the SCF Foundation. It was a deliberate process of becoming educated about how necessary the Foundation is to making educational opportunities possible that inspired the president of the Foundation’s board of directors.

Board of Directors Spotlight: Dorothy Korszen

Korszen, who graduated from Venice High School, attended Manatee Junior College (now SCF) in Bradenton because the College had not yet expanded into Sarasota County. Attending college locally allowed Korszen to weather personal and financial challenges and use her associate degree as a springboard to a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Florida before graduating magna cum laude from law school at the University of Miami. She currently practices as a partner at The Farr Law Firm.

“We weren’t in a great financial situation when I graduated from Venice High School, so I was just so grateful to have what is now SCF close by and to have that opportunity to start my college education right away,” said Korszen.

Always a lover of music, Korszen first learned about the Foundation’s mission while attending Evening Under the Stars at SCF Venice. She once believed the fantastic opportunities at SCF were funded extensively by state tax funds, a misconception she knows many still hold. Once she learned that the Foundation and the board of directors are the driving force behind scholarships,

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capital improvements and other important initiatives, she jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

“I honestly found it surprising there would even need to be a Foundation, but then I learned the primary tax funding for capital projects was from landline phones taxes, and no one even has landlines anymore!” Korszen noted. “If we need a new building, a new program, more scholarships, and to keep SCF as a vibrant part of our community, we’ve got to do the work.”

Korszen plans to use her term as president to continue strengthening the impact of the Foundation. She is hard at work strategizing with Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Holmes on plans for the year ahead.

“I’m looking forward to keeping the board engaged and keeping enthusiasm high now that we can gather in person again and host events again, starting with the Scholarship Luncheon on November 3,” said Korszen.

Evening Under the Stars remains a personal favorite for Korszen, who is excited to see it return in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. She loves the showcase of the ultra-talented music students, as well as the cause of raising funds for “making higher education possible.”

“Having SCF in our community is invaluable because I always say education is the great equalizer, and the Foundation is here to help make it happen,” said Korszen.

SCF Keeps Graduation

Rolling The COVID-19 pandemic forced SCF out of its traditional home for commencements at the Bradenton Area Convention Center, but the College still held three exciting and unique ceremonies.

Starting with Spring 2020, SCF’s graduation exercises have been broadcast live on 96.5 WSLR-FM, Sarasota’s own community radio station, and streamed online via Facebook, with no in-person attendance. Winter 2020 and Spring 2021 were also broadcast live, with the addition of a drive-thru parade at SCF Bradenton for graduates to receive their degrees. Faculty and staff cheered graduates on and congratulatory calls to the radio station poured in from around the world.

Hundreds of graduates showed off how #SCFProud they were with decorated vehicles and a healthy dose of jubilant horn honking. Thanks to the resilience of students, faculty and staff, graduation was still a celebration to remember.

Attendees at SCF’s Women in Leadership Day reception included: Marianne Barnebey ’77 (left), City of Bradenton Councilwoman; Jayne Kocher (center), City of Bradenton Councilwoman; and Jen Ahearn-Koch, City of Sarasota Commissioner.

Four Women Foster the Future of State College of Florida and its Foundation

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eptember 28, 2021, will be a notable date forever in the history of State College of Florida and the State College of Florida Foundation.

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Proclaimed, designated and set aside as Women in Leadership Day at SCF by Manatee and Sarasota counties, it is the first time in SCF’s history women simultaneously occupy leadership positions as the College’s president, District Board of Trustees chair, SCF Foundation board chair and the Foundation’s executive director. It’s also the first time in 50 years that a woman guides the College as the Chair of the District Board of Trustees.

To celebrate this milestone and each other, more than 30 women came together the afternoon of Sept. 28 for a reception with keynote speakers: SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, SCF District Board of Trustee Chair Tracy Knight and SCF Foundation Board Chair Dorothy Korszen ‘78. At least 50% of those in attendance were among the first of women to serve in a leadership role.

The message from each of SCF’s leaders was simple. Lead by example, create opportunities for leadership, build a supporting network and through higher education, women AND men can foster a successful future for our children, community and local businesses. “We must be inclusive, not exclusive,” said Dr. Probstfeld. “Together, we can achieve more.”

Setting the pace, Dr. Probstfeld, Knight, Korszen and SCF Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Holmes will join forces to boldly lead the institution through its 2021-2026 Strategic Plan that outlines SCF’s vision to be the community's first choice for higher education, economic development, philanthropic investment and cultural fulfillment.

City of Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan.

SCF and its leadership will focus on four priorities: Opportunity.

To lead with bold opportunities as the region’s first investment of choice.

Growth.

Boldly lead the growth of innovative academic and student life programs.

Quality.

Be the community’s academic cornerstone as the only 4-year, full-college experience.

Diversification.

Embody our community’s socioeconomic vision.

The plan allows the already nimble, flexible and responsive state college to respond to the evolving higher education needs of the region. This includes being the region’s premier employer, expanding regionally relevant 2-year and 4-year degrees, setting the standard for teaching and learning excellence, and expanding opportunities for our minority, international and lifelong learner populations.

To monitor the progress of SCF and its strategic plan, visit SCF.edu/StrategicPlan.

INSPIRE 2021 19

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Every Day

Want to give back to local communities every day? Suncoast can help!

Every time you use a Suncoast debit or credit card, we donate two cents to the Suncoast Credit Union Foundation.

more than $3.69 million.

Visit suncoastcreditunion.com today to become a member and start giving

W

hile the SCF Bradenton campus sat mostly quiet during the spring and summer months, with students, faculty and staff studying and working remotely, construction crews were still hard at work on long-awaited projects.

The first to debut was the 26 West Center, a multifaceted home of innovative economic development, advanced technology and entrepreneurial spirit.

26 West Center

Nurtures Economic Development

The Center was several years in the making. With more than 40,000 square-feet of space in SCF Bradenton’s former library in need of a new purpose, the College sought input from many internal and external stakeholders. The final concept, including an entrepreneurship program for business growth and the SCF Coding Academy for technology career training, secured financial support in the form of a $3.6 million job growth grant from the Florida Department of Economic Development. SCF and the SCF Foundation provided additional funds for the $8 million renovation.

Dr. Todd G. Fritch, SCF’s executive vice president and provost, expressed excitement at the progress of one of the hallmark projects of his time at the College. He noted the rarity of having such a large space presented as a blank canvas that can turn into a unique facility with new learning opportunities.

back to our academic programs and provide experiential teaching and learning opportunities for our faculty and our students,” said Fritch.

Kim Richmond, director, 26 West Entrepreneurship Center, and Desh Bagley, the director of SCF’s Coding Academy, have hit the ground running. Bagley hosted hundreds of children at STEM-themed summer camps, and Richmond hosted a pair of fall open houses to reveal plans for a Business Growth Lab with offices and desk space for rent, a student-run marketing agency called The Digital Collective, and a Personal Branding Lab. The new building also contains a creative studio for audio and visual production, and an Academic Partnership Center housing signature programs like Early College and Gator Engineering at SCF. The Center is a gateway between the College and its community, offering services for businesses to grow and for students to interact with entrepreneurs and local business leaders.

“We offer entrepreneurs and small business owners resources to start and grow their businesses—from office space and training, to access to a network of mentors, investors and other entrepreneurs,” said Richmond. “This will be a catalyst for innovation and economic growth in the entire region.”

For more information or to schedule a tour, visit 26West.SCF.edu or call 941-752-5449.

“The one commitment SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld and I made with the Center and activities associated with it is that they will each have intentional connections INSPIRE 2021 21

BUILDING LANDMARKS SINCE 1972

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SCF Building 8 | 26 West Centr e al 941.366.3116 | WillisSmith.com | CGC-1508975

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT • DESIGN BUILD • GENERAL CONTRACTING

t’s common not to know what your life and career goals are at 18 years old. Facing that uncertainty, Luke Sandlin ’20 took two gap years after high school and sold cars rather than start college without a plan.

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“It didn’t matter what kind of student you were. How old you were or how young. He always told me he would be a reference for students applying for scholarships because he wanted to help them pay for college,” Sandlin shared.

Sandlin found his age to be an easy ice breaker with customers, but after two years, he was ready to continue his education. He had always loved politics, and he set out to turn that passion into his career. The Virginia native decided to move to Florida, where he found SCF’s affordable price tag was a perfect fit for starting his pursuit of higher education.

Sandlin’s time at SCF culminated with the honor of being named Spring 2020 Outstanding Graduate. Winning the award during a semester impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic created a unique wrinkle, as Sandlin accepted the award and delivered his Outstanding Graduate speech from home as part of SCF’s virtual graduation ceremony.

The extra time to mature and identify a future career path were important to Sandlin. He was dedicated to his studies and immersed himself in student clubs and organizations, including the Student Government Association and theatre, enjoying the full college experience.

“That was funky! I love public speaking. I think you get such an energy from being in a room with people that doesn’t coalesce in the virtual environment. It was weird, but I was excited by the challenge,” Sandlin said of giving a graduation speech from his front porch.

“Every teacher I met encouraged students to get involved in clubs,” Sandlin said. “That way you met more people. That kind of involvement is super important for students.”

Sandlin is making rapid progress toward fulfilling his goals. He interned virtually with the U.S. State Department during his junior year at the University of Florida, receiving a security clearance to assist with data tracking projects and getting to contribute to the Secretary of State’s daily briefing. He is spending the Fall 2021 semester in Washington D.C. as a legislative intern in the House of Representatives. With an outgoing nature and a wealth of experience already under his belt, Sandlin is excited to see where his career will take him, whether it be to foreign embassies or working for candidates on the campaign trail in the U.S.

Sandlin credits faculty members Craig Smith and Hyun-Jong Kim for making an impact on him during his time at SCF. He frequently recalls a conversation he had about a logic class he took with Kim, a philosophy and religion professor, in the professor’s office. Kim’s words of encouragement helped Sandlin reframe how he thought of himself as a student, setting aside past struggles in subjects like math. All Sandlin really had needed was teachers that engaged him in a way that suited him.

“That stuck with me. I still remember that day. He completely flipped what I had thought about myself and my whole academic career, K-12, and changed my mind in a single day.”

He also admired how Smith, a theatre professor, was constantly looking for ways to help students pay for college.

“The price was right, the timing was right, SCF made perfect sense when I started college.”

Luke Sandlin

ALUMNI PROFILE

Car Lot to the Capitol Building

“I want to be involved with meeting people and advancing an agenda that helps everyone in the country. I love meeting new people, finding out what we have in common, and if we have differences, how can we resolve them.”

INSPIRE 2021 23

ine and performing arts are a hallmark of the full college experience available at SCF. The College offers the region’s only higher education music program. With the opening of the new Studio for the Performing Arts during the Spring 2021 term, students now have a premier facility to study, rehearse and perform.

F

Opens to

The $7 million, 15,000-square-foot studio includes a 150-seat recital hall, choir rehearsal room, percussion rehearsal suite, music library, practice rooms, faculty offices and rooms for instrument and music storage. The studio connects to the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center. A new gathering space, the Madam Presidents’ Courtyard, a homage to SCF’s fourth and sixth presidents, Dr. Sarah H. Pappas and Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, is situated between the two buildings.

“Students who have come into this new space drop their jaws and grin ear to ear, instantly imagining themselves rehearsing, practicing, learning and performing here,” said Dr. Robyn L. Bell, SCF’s music program manager.

Before the new Studio, many music classes were held in a classroom building with poor acoustics and a lack of climatecontrolled instrument storage. The former building was torn down in 2019 to make way for the new construction. The completion of the Studio is even more impressive when considering its construction coincided with two other major capital projects at SCF Bradenton, the 26 West Center and the expansion of the science complex.

The momentous and long-awaited opening of the Studio represents a commitment to 24 SCF-Foundation.org

the arts at SCF. That commitment would not have been possible without the largest capital fundraising effort ever carried out by the SCF Foundation, which generated more than $4 Sweet Music million for the project. The successful capital campaign bolsters important academic programs while establishing a facility that will impact the campus for decades.

Studio for the Performing Arts

“The construction of our beautiful new Studio for the Performing Arts would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our community, District Board of Trustees and SCF Foundation Board of Directors,” said Dr. Probstfeld. “I am excited for our music and theatre programs and look forward to a wonderful roster of future performances.”

The community will have ample opportunity to see and use the new studio as well. SCF has expanded its non-credit music and theatre offerings to enhance opportunities for students, local musicians and lifelong learners alike to take individual lessons or join performing ensembles. Performing arts organizations from around the region will also have new opportunities to bring performances to SCF Bradenton thanks to the addition of the recital hall.

Together with the SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, Howard Studio Theatre and the Gallery at SCF, the Studio forms a performing arts complex that surpasses what many colleges and universities have available for their students and community. To see the extensive performances planned for the 2021-22 season and order tickets, visit SCF.edu/Neel. For more information about SCF’s music program or to subscribe to the email list for upcoming events, visit SCFMusic.info.

V

irginia Villegas Romero ‘20 knew she wanted to enter the nursing field and experience firsthand the gratitude of patients under her care. Through tenacity and commitment, she overcame challenges, built an impressive academic resume and in 2020 accomplished her goal of becoming a registered nurse (RN).

Virginia wasn’t initially able to enroll in nursing when she started college in 2014, but with generous scholarship funding available, she didn’t want to put her education off. She forged ahead and earned a four-year degree from SCF in health services administration.

“The professors were always very helpful toward me, and the Foundation helped me out a lot with paying for school so I didn’t have to worry about things financially,” Romero said.

While earning her bachelor’s degree, Virginia also completed an advanced technical certificate in paralegal/legal assisting, maintaining a 3.8 GPA despite an ambitious course load and a full-time work schedule at her father’s lawn care business. She still felt called to a career in patient care, and in Fall 2018, she was accepted into the nursing program at SCF.

“They motivated me, and they were able to see my potential as a student and as a nurse, and I really appreciated that about them,” Romero said.

Graduating in Spring 2020 was a challenge for new nurses all around the country as they immediately found themselves on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virginia notes that despite the added challenges she has encountered working in the COVID unit at Blake Medical Center, the pandemic has only strengthened her pride in helping and healing. Among the challenges she has risen to face are the isolation her patients experience in the COVID unit and the need to change into fresh personal protective equipment each time she comes in and out.

ALUMNI PROFILE

Romero Follows Passion for Patient Care

“The fact that I’m able to be there for them when their special ones can’t be—I know I’m not part of their family, but it almost feels like they are to me,” she said. “For them to see the work I’ve put in doing these tasks and to thank me, it doesn’t matter how many times I have to change out of the gown. It really touches my heart to be there for them.”

Romero isn’t done with her academic accomplishments. She finished her Bachelor of Science in nursing through SCF’s “Fast Track” program and enrolled this summer in a Master of Science in nursing—Family Nurse Practitioner program. She plans to complete the graduate program in 2024, with the goal of one day opening her own clinic.

Virginia dove headfirst into her nursing studies and sought opportunities outside the classroom to learn and improve, such as volunteering at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Nursing instructors Magdeleine “I’ve learned to Vasso and Bethany Tucker made a strong impression on Virginia as she progressed appreciate those toward her goal.

around me, work hard everyday for my goals, and live to the fullest.”

Virginia Villegas Romero

INSPIRE 2021 25

Your SCF Foundation Board of Directors and Staff 2021-2022 Board of Directors Front row: Laura Cota, Lois Lucek, Chris Romine '82, Dorothy Korszen, Esq. '78, Alix Morin Second Row: Cassandra Holmes, Debi Cohoon, Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld, Dom DiMaio Third Row: Dr. Kimberly Hatchel, TJ Kornett, Jim Captain Back Row: Michael Fuller, Kathleen Cucci '88, Jodi Allen '86

Cassandra Holmes, Executive Director HolmesC@SCF.edu; 941-752-5389

Priscilla Tsantilas, Executive Assistant TsantiP@SCF.edu; 941-752-5654

Christopher Collins '21, Grants Coordinator CollinC1@SCF.edu; 941-752-5653

Deborah Green, Senior Finance Manager GreenD@SCF.edu; 941-752-5397

Aretha Kutegeka '21, Scholarship Specialist KutegeA@SCF.edu; 941-752-5395

Roberta Rodgers '06, Advancement Associate, Corporate and Community Partnerships RodgerR@SCF.edu; 941-752-5398

Jennifer Rogers, Advancement Associate, Community Engagement RogersJ@SCF.edu; 941-752-5262

Lori Stephens Tomlinson, Associate Director StepheL1@SCF.edu; 941-752-5108

Ted Van Patten, Database Manager VanpatT@SCF.edu; 941-752-5336

Our Mission We connect donors’ passions and regional partners with State College of Florida’s outstanding students, faculty, programs and community, and we steward foundation assets consistent with our donors’ intent.

26 SCF-Foundation.org

Making Higher Education Possible.

Research Planned Giving Information about planned giving, such as bequests, trusts, annuities and estate giving are available online.

Scholarships

Visit us online today!

Looking for the fastest way to connect, find out about events, or give? Information on scholarships, Foundation events and ongoing fundraising campaigns are all easily accessible. You can even donate directly to the Foundation through the website as a one-time gift or by setting up a monthly recurring gift!

Students can search for scholarships and submit applications securely online.

Purchase Tickets The website is a one-stop shop for information about or to purchase tickets for the Foundation’s premier events.

Donate Online

SCF-Foundation.org

Schedule a monthly contribution or give a one-time gift. Just click the blue “DONATE” button at the top of the page!

INSPIRE 2021 27

ALUMNI PROFILE

SCF Runs in the Family

K

athleen Cucci '88 knows from experience that plunging headfirst into a university environment out of high school isn’t easy. After briefly attending the University of Alabama right after high school, Cucci, who now serves on the SCF Foundation Board of Directors, returned closer to home and graduated from Manatee Community College (now SCF). She then transferred to the University of South Florida (USF) to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“That was the best thing I could have done,” said Cucci. “What I really needed was that extra attention and good communication with my professors. I truly remember most of those professors at MJC more than I do my professors from USF.” It’s no wonder Cucci, whose husband John Cucci '85 is also an SCF alum, advocated for her children to take advantage of what SCF has to offer. Her oldest son, John Cucci II ‘20, earned an associate in arts from SCF. When he decided he wanted to become a nurse after finishing his psychology degree at Florida State University, Kathleen was quick to point out SCF’s fast track nursing degree path for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. John Cucci II returned to SCF and now works as an emergency room nurse in Atlanta, Georgia.

“My employer is Manatee Memorial Hospital, so I’ve talked to our physicians and our nurses, and they always have only the best

things to say about the training nurses receive at SCF,” said Kathleen.

Kathleen’s daughter Anna dual enrolled at SCF while earning her diploma at Lakewood Ranch High School. Thanks to the Early College opportunities, Anna completed a debt-free associate degree by the time she graduated from high school and is now enrolled at USF studying integrated marketing. Anna’s twin brother also attends USF and plays football.

Kathleen frequently shares her daughter’s success with Early College with other parents. In addition to the opportunity to get experience with college classes and earn credits, she notes how easy it is to transfer credits from SCF to any state university in Florida.

“I wish a program like dual enrollment had been around when I was younger!” said Kathleen.

Serving on the Foundation board has been enjoyable and a source of pride for Kathleen, who values the experience working with so many other dedicated leaders to support SCF. She specifically cites her friendship and working relationship with Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Holmes.

“It’s a board where you can really bring your passion and spread it, and Cassandra’s energy and enthusiasm have always amazed me, from the day I met her,” Kathleen said.

“I think dual enrollment is the way to go if you want a fast track to saving some money on college!”

28 SCF-Foundation.org

Kathleen Cucci

On a Fast Track to Success

N

atasha Wanjohi ‘19 is on the fast track to a promising future, earning early acceptance to the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Lakewood Ranch.

Being ahead of the game is nothing new for Wanjohi. She skipped first grade, was dual-enrolled at SCF during her time at Lakewood Ranch High School and competed on the school’s weightlifting team. She topped off those accomplishments by graduating a year early with a 4.2 GPA and earning her associate in arts degree from SCF in December 2019. At 19, she’s already a junior at the University of South Florida, majoring in biomedical sciences.

Her spot at LECOM will be waiting for her in 2022 after she completes her bachelor’s degree.

“This LECOM acceptance is unreal to me. It's a blessing.”

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t slowed her down at all either.

In fact, she said her time management skills improved when her classes were forced to go entirely online in 2020.

“I think by far one of the hardest challenges to overcome is just staying on top of everything including studying, watching lectures and doing homework,” she observed. "But I have found myself improving on my time management skills by prioritizing school and important events before social gatherings and free time.”

She became interested in the medical field because of her mother’s career as a nurse. Having steadfast support from her family has been integral to her success as well.

Wanjohi says she appreciated her SCF experience. She especially highlighted her time learning from Dr. Anthony Gambino and Dr. Jose Ors and noted it’s easier to connect with faculty members at SCF than in a university setting.

“The teachers are more engaged, there’s more one-on-one, you have more time with your professors. I really liked that,” she recalled. “I tell everybody I know, ‘come to SCF and do dual enrollment.’”

ALUMNI PROFILE

SCF Graduate

While at SCF, Wanjohi also benefited from the Tampa Bay Bridge to Baccalaureate (TB-B2B) program. TB-B2B, now in its fourth year, is a grant-funded alliance of regional colleges working to increase the number of underrepresented minority students completing a bachelor’s degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics programs.

Linette Victor, TB-B2B’s student success coordinator and Wanjohi’s mentor, said Wanjohi is one of a kind. “She’s a little firecracker. She’s the most kind, compassionate student I’ve ever interacted with.”

Already closing in on a bachelor’s degree and with a start date set for four years of medical school at LECOM, Wanjohi has a bright future. She’s still in the process of deciding what specializations to pursue.

“I definitely want to do something with surgery or anesthesiology, or maybe OB-GYN.”

Learn more about Tampa Bay Bridge to Baccalaureate: TampaBayB2B.com

INSPIRE 2021 29

B

iotechnology students at SCF found and documented an antibiotic-producing bacteria last spring with DNA that may have never been cataloged before.

SCF Biotech Students

The work, conducted by several students in cloning small sections of the bacteria’s DNA strands that were collected by former nursing student Danielle Pearman '18 near Fort DeSoto State Park for a class in 2015, was published in a repository DNA database of the National Institutes of Health.

Document Novel Discovery with DNA Research

Cara Ruhnke '19, a recent SCF graduate who worked on the project, described how the team cloned the samples and sent them to a lab for DNA sequencing.

“When we got our sequences back, we searched across the database for similar sequences, and we discovered there were not any within what they consider the standards of a species or type; that we had something novel.”

The sequences were published in the GenBank database, which is administered by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). The publication includes the students’ names and the professors who worked with them, SCF Associate Professor Eric Warrick and Professor Matthew Thomas.

“I got an email from Dr. Thomas that said, ‘go check out this NCBI entry,’” Ruhnke recalled, “and it had my name on it. That was pretty cool. I was pretty proud of myself, considering that on an associate-level college degree, we’ve got publications, which is pretty unheard of. Most associate-level degrees aren’t publishing anything, at least in science.”

30 SCF-Foundation.org

But it’s exactly what Warrick says SCF’s Biotechnology program aims to do. Warrick and Dr. Thomas prepare their students to be workforce ready in laboratories and other research settings right away. The skills learned and coursework completed are also transferable for students planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees or even higher levels of scientific education.

“We don't want just to teach a skill set; we want to teach a skill set with an application to it,” Warrick explained. “Students are more interested, they're more engaged in the classroom, making better connections to what they're doing.”

In addition to Pearman and Ruhnke, other students involved and credited in this project were Madison Wilson '19, Eva Geygan '20, Krissy D'Agostino '19, Hailey Harris '20 and Luis Pichardo.

Since indications are that this is a novel species, Warrick says the next step in this project is fully mapping the Fort DeSoto sample’s DNA. “We know it's an antibiotic-producing microbe. We don’t know what that antibiotic is yet, its structural or genetic analysis,” he said.

Discovering new antibiotic producers is growing in importance as bacteria continue to develop stronger resistance to existing medicines. The work being done by SCF Biotechnology students could one day have important impacts on medical research.

“Once we get the whole genome sequence, there is annotation software that can make predictions about its potential uses,” Warrick said.

The following is based on excerpts from “What it Means to be an American: The Irving Brown Story,” authored by Philip W. Travis, an associate professor at SCF.

I

rving Brown is an American success story: an orphan and immigrant, with no inherited wealth to speak of, developed an acumen for business, took the opportunities that arose, and benefited from the goodwill of others. His life experiences have shaped his perspective on philanthropy in the United States today.

Born in Manchester, England in 1938, Brown became an orphan at the age of eight. As an orphan amid England's bleak postwar period at the time of the Holocaust, Irving faced significant antiSemitism due to his Jewish lineage. Fortunately, he was among a strong, tight-knit community of people, and his local synagogue placed him in a comfortable, well-funded Jewish orphanage.

In 1949, Irving's Aunt Leah, who lived in New York City, eagerly sought to help her nephew. She went to the Hebrew Immigration Society, who agreed to fund Irving's passage to the United States.

The immigration officer asked young Irving a simple question, "Why do you want to go to America?" Brown replied with a simple, but profound answer, "Because of all the possibilities."

Brown's answer spoke deeply to the promise that America offered to people throughout the world.

Shortly after finishing high school, Brown went to work as a hand for an Israeli shipping company. His job did not pay him a great deal of money, but the global travels and experience proved invaluable. Brown's vessel traveled to the British Isles, West Africa, Israel, and most significantly Hong Kong. There, Brown made connections that would eventually set him on a highly successful path selling imported novelties in the U.S.—most notably to Woolworths department stores. By the early 1980s, Brown had shifted with the times and further expanded his wealth and success in the ownership of commercial properties.

In Brown's view, the purpose of business is not simply personal gratification. It is something that has the power to improve people’s lives by giving them jobs and providing valuable services and opportunities. Brown insists the job of business is to make the world a better place. It is not as though business should not make

one rich and reward those for hard work and innovation, but should also be fair and have a penchant for improving society.

Brown feels that today, there are many of great wealth that might do more for the greater good, but choose not to. Brown fears philanthropy is becoming less common as individuals adopt self-focused perspectives and refuse to contribute to the greater good of society.

For their part, Brown and his wife Jane operate the Irving and Jane Brown Foundation, which provides millions of dollars of educational aid to college students in the U.S. The Foundation has become one of the single most generous donors in the history of SCF. The responsibility of success, for Brown, is a duty to help others open the doors of opportunity just as others helped to open a door for him. Community mindedness, understanding the greater good of society, and using philanthropy to contribute to building a country that is more prosperous to more people is the responsibility of all Americans, according to Brown. This is the first ingredient to America’s greatness.

DONOR SPOTLIGHT

Irving Brown and the American Dream

Brown feels the second factor is immigration. An immigrant himself, Brown understands the opportunity that America offers to people, and that immigrants have contributed invaluably to the success of the nation through hard work, passion, and innovation.

This is what America is built on, poor immigrants like Irving Brown coming to the United States and using hard work and innovation to achieve success and eventually contribute to the betterment of the country. “The United States is still the best country in the world,” says Brown.

Brown’s life truly demonstrates the American Dream. Global interconnections made it possible for a poor orphan from war-torn Great Britain to come to America, capitalize on opportunity that made personal success possible, and provide resources to young people seeking higher education. His philanthropic spirit and generous giving to colleges like SCF will help keep the promise of the American Dream alive for generations to come.

To read “What it Means to be an American: The Irving Brown Story” in its entirety, visit TheBrownFamilyTrust.com.

INSPIRE 2021 31

SCF by the numbers

16

Workforce certificates promoted in

Get Credentialed.

Get Noticed! initiative to bolster region's economy.

Nearly

500

classes offered each semester with flexible start and end dates to suit students’ family and work commitments.

97%

of SCF's curriculum was converted for online instruction over a three-day period in March 2020.

Nearly

2

math professors earned mini grants to improve online learning transition.

99%

nursing license exam passing rate.

32 SCF-Foundation.org

Making Higher Education Possible.

$60,000 funds raised for the State College of Florida Foundation Coronavirus Student Emergency Fund.

100+

boxes of personal protective equipment (PPE) donated by SCF Nursing to local hospitals.

$1,700,000 in Foundation scholarships awarded in 2020-21.

2500+ graduates in 2020-21.

Volunteer Appreciation he State College of Florida Foundation is grateful for the dozens of volunteers who assist with fundraising, serve at our events and help in other areas. Your commitment to helping us means we can commit more staff time and resources to serve SCF students and the community. We cannot thank you enough!

T

Scholarship Readers The Foundation awards more than $1.7 million in scholarship support to deserving SCF students every year.

Volunteers are needed to help read and assess scholarship applications during our rush period in early spring. This is the perfect opportunity for individuals who want to volunteer on their own schedule from the comfort of home.

Community groups and organizations, like our perennial volunteer friends from the Bradenton Kiwanis Club, also enjoy learning more about our students while helping the Foundation with this important project.

Fundraising Event Volunteers Fundraising events are a vital part of the Foundation’s efforts to raise scholarship dollars and meet capital improvement goals, and they wouldn’t be possible without dedicated volunteers.

We need your help before, during and after events to assist with the planning and logistics that make special occasions such a resounding success. Whether you want to serve on a planning committee or help with various tasks, we can use your time and talents! Annual events include: • Avenues to the Future, held in February at SCF Bradenton.

Committee meetings begin in late summer.

• Evening Under the Stars, held in April at SCF Venice.

Committee meetings begin in early fall.

• Annual Scholarship Luncheon, held in November at Michael’s On East in Sarasota. Committee Meetings begin in early spring.

Join the Foundation family! Enjoy camaraderie with friends, both old and new, and feel good knowing you are helping make SCF the best college experience in the region. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at the SCF Foundation, call 941-752-5390. And again, thank you to those who have supported the SCF Foundation mission by volunteering your time!

INSPIRE 2021 33

The SCF Foundation thanks its generous 2019-2020 event sponsors.

Avenues to the Future SAVE the Date! Saturday, February 19, 2022, 5:30 p.m.

Title

Gold

Morin Family

Evening Under the Stars SAVE the Date! Saturday, April 9, 2022, 5:30 p.m.

Platinum

Founder

Stephen and Redenta Picazio

Annual Scholarship Luncheon SAVE the Date! Wednesday, November 2, 2022, 11:30 a.m.

Gold

Title

Morin Family Keynote Speaker

34 SCF-Foundation.org

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