Over 1,700 veterans are enrolled at St. Petersburg College - a population that has nearly tripled over the past four years.  The College has done an outstanding job responding to the needs of our returning military and has recently been named one of the top 15 "veteran-friendly" colleges in the nation (see related story below).

But beyond the top-notch academic guidance and support provided by the College, veterans often face considerable financial challenges as they wait for GI benefits to be processed. The longer the wait, the greater the risk former servicemen and women will drop out of college or delay enrolling.

The St. Petersburg College Foundation is establishing a Veterans Bridge Fund to ease the economic challenges encountered by too many veterans.  By following this link, you can help our returning heroes as they seek to extend their commitment of duty to the local community by earning a college credential.   As we prepare to welcome home thousands of troops beginning in August, I hope you will consider joining our efforts. 

On behalf of the entire St. Petersburg College Foundation family and the students we serve, I extend our deepest appreciation for your support and our warmest wishes for the New Year.

Happy Holidays!

Frances Neu

John Rainone, President of CRD, with Bill McCloud and SPC President Bill Law Photo Courtesy of Arrossi Photography

SPC alumnus and Foundation Board Member Bill McCloud received the Council for Resource Development (CRD) Benefactor Award at the CRD National Conference in Washington, D.C. on November 10.  The CRD Benefactor Award is the only national award that recognizes the philanthropic contributions of individuals, organizations, foundations and businesses to community colleges. Winners are selected for their dedication, commitment and pride in their institution. 

"This award brings well-deserved recognition to one of our star volunteers, and Bill's good work has placed St. Petersburg College in the national spotlight," said Bill Law, SPC President. "We are so proud to have Bill McCloud as a member of the St. Petersburg College community and we are grateful for his numerous contributions to the College's success." 

There were smiles, hugs and even a few tears as over 160 students and supporters convened at the 21st Annual Women on the Way (WOW) Luncheon on November 2 at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The event, sponsored by Transamerica-St. Petersburg, provided WOW students an opportunity to meet and thank the donors who are making their dreams possible.

Student speakers Belinda Gonzalez, Jeannie Pessano, Patricia Colin and Maria Johannesen offered compelling testimonials as to how WOW scholarships and out-of-classroom support have changed their lives and those of their families by allowing them to successfully balance responsibilities at work, home and school.

"We are so pleased to be a part of this program that is having such a direct and meaningful influence on the lives of women at St. Petersburg College," said Tiffany Taylor, Director of Recruiting and Branch Relationship Management for Transamerica.  In addition to sponsoring the event, Transamerica is providing scholarship support to WOW students.

Women on the Way was founded in 1981 to support female students struggling to balance the responsibilities of home, children, work and college. During the luncheon, program founders Maria Edmonds, Helen Gilbart and Vilma Zalupski were honored in a special presentation. Under the current leadership of Program Coordinator Shirley Crumbley, WOW continues to provide a lifeline of support through scholarships, academic advising, a no-cost clothing boutique, and a range of support services.

L to R: Deborah Boyle, Vilma Zalupski, Kathleen Griffin, Helen Gilbart, Myrtle Williams, Maria Edmonds at the Women on the Way Luncheon

The St. Petersburg College Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2012-2013 Innovation Grants. A selection committee comprised of representatives of the College, the Foundation and the community reviewed each of the grant applications and made awards of up to $3,500. "The committee was impressed with both the number and caliber of the grants submitted," said Frances Neu, VP of Institutional Advancement and Foundation Executive Director. The Foundation provided funding of over $50,000 for 17 grants this year, up from $40,000 for 12 grants last year. This year's recipients are:

• Jennifer Bawell, Student Cultural Enrichment Program
• Sue Blanchard and Bruce Brodney, Peer-to-Peer Support for Pre-Professional Teachers
• Meg Delgato, It STEMs from Money: Grant Writing 101 for Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
• Teresa Gaskill, Improving Students' Understanding of Science through Visual and Quantitative Data Collection
• Timothy Godcharles, Making the Move: Moving Your Face-to-Face Course Online
• Monica Lara, Independent Research in the Marine Sciences to Support Critical Thinking and Student Success
• Shannon McQuaig, Filthy Fomites Fostering Infections? A Microbiology Research Project
• Marilyn Michael, 2013 Summer Vocal Institute
• Nicolle Panuthos, Entrepreneurship @ SPC - Technology and Students on the Go
• Christine Patel, An Interdisciplinary Approach to Health Care Education
• Kathy Siegler and Ray Menard, A Pilot Study to Develop a Biotechnology Workforce Laboratory Course
• Matthew Stewart and Bridgette Willis, Safe Zone: Creating an Inclusive Campus Environment
• Barbara Styers, Reducing Student Stress = Increased Retention
• Sasha Tuck, Pat Hernley, Alejandro Arenas, Austin Vickory, Marie Sorenson, MIRA (Music Industry/Recording Arts) Recruitment Program
• Li-Lee Tunceren, Writing Matters @ SPC
• Annelies Williamson, Veterans Academic Adjunct Advising and Veterans Academic Tutoring 

For more information on the Innovation Grants Initiative, please visit the Innovation Grants webpage.

St. Petersburg College has been named one of the top 15 veteran-friendly colleges in the country according to a joint report by Military Times and Edge Magazine. The publications based the ranking on student interviews, enrollment, academic support and staffing at more than 650 four-year colleges across the nation.

SPC's veteran population climbed over the past four years from less than 600 to more than 1,700 today. Jeff Cavanagh, SPC's Coordinator of Veterans Services, called the ranking "fantastic news" as he made the announcement at the College's Board of Trustees meeting on November 20. He credited college staff and active student veterans associations at the College's Clearwater, St. Petersburg/Gibbs and Seminole campuses.      

Cavanagh's goal for the next survey is to keep on rising in the ranks. "Within the next two years, we hope to be in the number one spot," he said.

Guests of all ages enjoyed meeting the Facility's resident animals

More than 300 people attended the School of Veterinary Technology's open house on October 17 to help celebrate the first anniversary of the College facility in Largo. The Center offers associates, baccalaureate and certificate programs in Veterinary Technology, and is fully accredited by the Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Located next to Pinellas County Animal Services on Ulmerton Road, the Veterinary Technology Center is a Gold certified LEED building and contains more than 32,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, surgery and x-ray suites, kennels and offices for the Vet Tech program.

With approximately five job openings for every graduate in the field of veterinary technology, SPC Vet Tech students are in high demand. For more information about the Veterinary Technology Program or to adopt a pet, please visit the Vet Tech website.

At this time of year, you may be thinking about how to reduce your income taxes. Depending on your tax bracket and whether or not you itemize, you may be able to lower your tax bill - possibly significantly - by making a charitable contribution. There are several alternatives that may significantly lighten your income tax burden while supporting a favorite charity.

It generally makes sense to try to make multiple and/or more sizable charitable contributions in the years you have the highest income or highly appreciated securities. You may even consider making advance contributions if your income is expected to drop in the next year or two. Because everyone's tax situation is unique, you should discuss your gift plans with your financial advisor and tax professional before making any contributions.

To discuss giving options or to make a gift, please contact the Foundation at 727-341-3302 or foundation@spcollege.edu. 

Reprinted with permission from the Raymond James Charitable Endowment Fund Year-End Giving Guide. 

Class of 1994: Alyssa Hanzi, A.S. in Dental Hygiene, worked as a dental hygienist for over 16 years, including four years in Munich, Germany. After traveling extensively, she now lives in Atlanta where she writes and designs jewelry.

Class of 1972: Bonnie (Bonbrake) Kesler, A.A., continued her education at the University of South Florida, where she earned her B.A., M.A. and Ed.S. degrees in Psychology. She is currently a full-time instructor at St. Petersburg College where she teaches Social Science at the St. Petersburg/Gibbs Campus.

Class of 1955: Bob Jones, A.A., recently published his book Reporter in

Bob Jones, center, works on the SPJC Trojan Horse along with other SPJC students.

which he covers 55 years in journalism beginning with his job as editor of the SPJC Trojan Horse, to the St. Pete Times, to stints abroad in Madrid, Frankfurt and Paris. He also writes about his experiences as a foreign correspondent for NBC news, covering the wars in Biafra and Vietnam, and as an anchorman and News Director in Honolulu. Jones still resides in Honolulu and is currently employed as a newspaper columnist.

To share your accomplishments with your fellow alumni, email Tiffany Hughes.