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SPC Foundation
Board of Directors
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Willie H. "Bill" McCloud
Chairman
Joseph G. Blanton
John Brown
Kenneth P. Cherven
Stephen O. Cole
Paul Demirdjian
John W. Dosher
Robert J. Fine, Jr. Theresa K. Furnas
Jenn Greacen
Robert L. Hilton
Beth A. Horner
William D. Law*
Frances Neu*
Walter L. "Skip" Schafer Jr.
Steven Shepard
Shan Shikarpuri
Richard B. Winning
David Zillig
Directors Emeriti
Dan Carlisle
Leon R. Hammock
Helen K. Leslie
Alfred T. May
Henry B. Sayler
Honorary Director
Wendell R. Ware
*Ex officio members
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The St. Petersburg College Foundation is fortunate to have the partnership and support of a broad range of caring individuals, area businesses and civic organizations. Through your involvement, you are helping to transform lives by providing scholarships and other educational enhancements that enrich the college experience and put a college credential within reach for our students. We know that the children of college-educated parents are more likely to attend college themselves. As such, by addressing the needs of the individual you are also helping to ensure the long-term prosperity of our community. 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 VP of Institutional Advancement & Foundation Executive Director St. Petersburg College
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Innovation Grants Luncheon Celebrates Faculty Ingenuity
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President Law welcomes Jim and Raymond Sirmons while Foundation Chair Bill McCloud (far rt.) and others drum with grant recipient Dr. Delgato (far lt.).
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Foundation donors and friends pounding on drums? At the Carillon Hilton? Yes, it was all part of this year's Innovation Grants Luncheon sponsored for the third straight year by Raymond James Financial. The Drum Circle project was developed by Dr. Meg Delgato to help students explore the psychological and physiological effects of drumming and how it may reduce test anxiety, among other things. Dr. Delgato's project was one of 24 Innovation Grants funded by the Foundation over the past year. The theme of this year's event was the integration of art and science. In addition to Dr. Delgato's project, guests heard formal presentations from grant recipients Ms. Anne Ryan, Dr. Kathy Siegler, Dr. Michelle Osovitz and Dr. Ray Menard while several other grantees and their students showcased their projects through creative displays. In all, the Foundation and its donors provided more than $74,000 in grants to faculty and staff across a wide spectrum of disciplines. |
Foundation Immed. Past Chair Ken Cherven (far lt.) welcomes Janet and Mike Carroll; Dr. Monica Lara speaks with guest Helen Leslie and event sponsor Doug Gates of Raymond James about underwater videography and photography for marine research.
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SPC Foundation Loses Longtime Friend
Thelma Rothman
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| On October 7, the St. Petersburg College Foundation lost longtime friend and former Board member Thelma P. Rothman. Mrs. Rothman co-founded Kane's Furniture with her husband Maurice in 1948. Throughout her lifetime, Mrs. Rothman was recognized with numerous awards and honors for her philanthropic work and served on many boards including the St. Petersburg Junior College Foundation Board of Directors where she continued as Director Emeritus until her passing. |
The Rothman family has a long history of supporting educational access and equity in the community. In 2012, the Rothman Family Foundation helped underwrite the College's first year in Achieving the Dream, Inc., a national organization focused on minority student success.
"Our community is a better place because of the involvement and generosity of the Rothman family, particularly Thelma. She will be missed deeply and by many," said Frances Neu, SPC VP of Advancement and Foundation Executive Director.
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Rays Foundation Goes to Bat for First Gen Students
The Rays Foundation awarded grants totaling $100,000 to 19 Bay Area nonprofit organizations, including the St. Petersburg College Foundation.
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Mark Fernandez, Sr. Vice President Tampa Bay Rays and Marcus Brooks SPC Foundation Development Officer
| The Rays Foundation is root-root-rooting for First Generation students through its partnership with the SPC Foundation. The initiative provides financial support to students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college and earn degrees. For many students, this scholarship program is also their best hope of realizing unmet potential, gaining self-sufficiency
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and creating a model of success that will have implications for years to come. The Rays Baseball Foundation presented the SPC Foundation with a $10,000 check to support the program. To date, the Rays Baseball Foundation has awarded 188 grants to local charity organizations totaling over $975,000 in support of youth and education focused programs offered by community-based nonprofit organizations. |
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Palm Harbor Rotary Recognizes College
 | The Rotary Club of Palm Harbor recently presented the 2014 Community Leader Award to SPC President Bill Law. Rotary members Ms. Linda Bradley and Ms. Mary Lewis also made a contribution to the SPC Foundation's |
Study Abroad program. SPC Foundation Executive Director Frances Neu was also present to accept the award. Ms. Lewis, a self-taught pianist, provided entertainment before the meeting.
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The Palladium Celebrates Its Founders
Palladium Executive Director Paul Wilborn enjoys the evening with Bill and Hazel Hough and Annie Francis. |
The Palladium Theater celebrated its 15th Anniversary with a Gala honoring its Founders: Bill and Hazel Hough, Gus, Frances and Paul Stavros, Mary Wyatt Allen, George Rahdert, and Dar Webb.
The evening included a tribute video chronicling the history of the Theater, the unveiling of the new donor wall which was salvaged from the original
1925 building and performances by Nate Najar, and members of the St. Petersburg Opera, among others. Without question, the highlight of the night was a song written and performed by Dr. Susan (Hough) Henry in honor of her parents.
The SPC Foundation and the Palladium Theater thank the following sponsors who made the event possible: Alfred T. May, Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, RBC Wealth Management - Green, Henwood & Hough Management Group, Hough Family Foundation, Sabal Trust Company, Smith & Associates Real Estate and Parkshore Grille and Palladium chairman Rich Linquanti.
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Transamerica Sponsors "Women on the Way"
Women on the Way (WOW) held its 23rd Annual Appreciation Luncheon last month at SPC Seminole Campus with more than 100 guests in attendance. For the third year, Transamerica was the title sponsor of the event which recognizes the success of students who have overcome significant challenges and returned to college to improve their lives and, in many cases, the lives of their families. Students Brigette Thompson and Cecelia Bostic-Murdock shared heartfelt testimonials of their personal journeys and the importance of WOW in their lives. Ms. Thompson will graduate in Spring 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Ms. Bostic-Murdock is completing her first year at SPC. WOW Coordinator, Shirley Crumbley received personal thanks from students and supporters for her tireless efforts leading the program.  (L to R) SPC Trustee Lauralee Westine, WOW Coordinator Shirley Crumbley, SPC SVP Dr. Tonjua Williams, Transamerica Business Developer Stacy Mullin and SPC VP Frances Neu. |
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SPC Embraces the Data Culture
 Dr. Jesse Coraggio, AVP, Institutional
Effectiveness, Research, and Grants
leads the conference. | The inaugural SPC Moving the Needle conference held last month was an enormous success. The brainchild of SPC Associate Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Dr. Jesse Coraggio, the event was designed for college and university leaders to engage in collaborative discussions about methods to utilize data to improve student success. More than 150 guests from 26 colleges and universities from across the nation, including eight college presidents and thirty-seven vice presidents, attended. "A big piece of the conference is creating a culture where college officials and faculty embrace ways they can use |
data to help increase student achievement," said Jesse Coraggio, associate vice president of Institutional Effectiveness, Research and Grants. Dr. Mark David Milliron, Chief Learning Officer at Civitas Learning, provided the key note. Dr. Milliron was founding chancellor of Western Governors University, Texas, and also served as deputy director for postsecondary improvement with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
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The Able Trust Partnership = Success
The enormous success of the Able Trust partnership to help students with disabilities secure meaningful employment was highlighted at a recent luncheon hosted by SPC Disability Resources. The event, which coincided with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, also recognized local businesses and organizations that have supported our students.
US Congressman David Jolly shares his sister's story of working toward achieving her dream. |
SPC graduate Donna Lane shared with guests how the program changed her life. Ms. Lane, who was diagnosed with juvenile macular degeneration as a child, credited SPC Career Placement Specialist Kelley Ferranti for helping her gain the motivation and necessary skills to secure a job that she "loves."
US Congressman David Jolly, provided the event's closing comments and shared how his sister, who like Ms. Lane, worked tirelessly to achieve her dream. He congratulated Ms. Lane for understanding that her disability could be a springboard, rather than an obstacle.
Through the partnership with The Able Trust, SPC has served 229 students with disabilities ranging from autism to learning disabled and placed 109 in jobs in the medical field, public service, education, and technical services.
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SPC Employees "Dig" the 70's
SPC Alum Charlie Osterholt and his
Merrill Lynch team sponsored the event.
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College employees came ready with their "boogie" shoes to celebrate the success of the Employee Giving Program at a recent event sponsored by SPC Alum Charlie Osterholt and his team at Merrill Lynch. The 70's themed event featured an inspired DJ and student speakers Jose Sanchez and Robert Hurley, along with College Chief of Staff Deborah Boyle. Messrs. Sanchez and Hurley shared stories of their personal struggles and triumphs and thanked guests for helping students like them reach their dreams. Ms. Boyle talked about her journey, her involvement with SPC's Women of the Way and the importance of giving back. Over 250 employees support a variety of Foundation initiatives, including scholarships, faculty grants and campus programs, through the Employee Giving Program. Currently, the program generates over $56,092 in support. 
Jose Sanchez tells of his journey to a brighter future.
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"Financially, it is really hard for my family. My bother-in-law retired early due to bone marrow disease and my out of state tuition is paid from his retirement savings. That is why receiving a scholarship is so important." said Sanchez, who is pursing an Engineering degree.
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SPC Dean of Health Sciences, Dr. Rebecca Ludwig, Chief of Staff Deborah Boyle join other SPC employees enjoy a "groovy" afternoon.
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SPC Recognized as "Military Friendly"
 | Victory Media has designated St. Petersburg College a "Military Friendly School" for its outstanding support of veterans.
The recognition follows the accolade the College received last year from the Military Times, Edge Magazine and Military Advanced Education magazine as the 15th most veteran-friendly college in the nation. The accomplishment is evidence of the continuous and far-reaching efforts by the college to support the professional development of returning heroes. |
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Create a Legacy That Gives an Education
Bequests, charitable remainder trusts, gift annuities, IRAs, and gifts of property are some of the ways you can provide significant and lasting support to SPC. To learn how your planned gift can meet your financial objectives while supporting the work of the College and the aspirations of students, call us at 727-341-3302. Change a life today!
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Class Notes
Class of 2011: Paul Wilder, AA, also earned a BS degree in Information Systems Management from the University of South Florida in 2002. He serves as the Director of Information Technology for Kelby Media Group in Oldsmar.
Class of 1999: Tuyet Abdullaj, AA, also earned a BS degree from the University of Tampa and her MBA from Ashford University. She is now working at Eckerd College as an Area Business Development Manager.
Class of 1992, 2010: Teresa Chiavacci, AS in Physical Therapy Assisting, continued her education at St. Petersburg College, earning a bachelor's degree in Health Services Administration. She currently serves as the Chair of the PTA Advisory Committee at St. Petersburg College, as well as a commissioner for the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
Class of 1978: Leonard Phillips, AA in Engineering, went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Central Florida in 1980. He is married to Patricia Gauss, also an SPC alum.
To share your accomplishments with your fellow alumni, send us an email to foundation@spcollege.edu.
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