SPC Launches Centennial Campaign to Support Students and Celebrate 100 Years of Impact

9/12/2025

As St. Petersburg College (SPC) approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, the College launched its centennial campaign, "Pathway to Better - The Centennial Campaign of St. Petersburg College," at its recent SPC Day anniversary celebration. The College has a goal to raise $100,000,000 with the campaign.

Nearly a century ago, residents of St. Petersburg established SPC to provide an affordable higher education option for the region. This giving initiative honors the College’s rich history — from the early days as St. Petersburg Junior College and Gibbs Junior College to today’s innovative programs —and ensures a lasting impact for years to come.

As Florida’s first two-year institution and the first state college to offer bachelor’s degrees, SPC has grown into a cornerstone of opportunity and innovation, enriching lives and transforming communities.

"SPC is more than a college — it’s a catalyst for opportunity and progress. More than a place for learning, it’s a launchpad for dreams, a hub for innovation and a heartbeat of our community,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “As we approach our centennial, the generosity of our donors fuels a future of better jobs, brighter lives and stronger communities for generations to come. Cheers to the next 100 years!"

The Pathway to Better Campaign invites alumni, faculty, staff and community partners to support SPC’s mission. Funds raised provide scholarships and resources that help students succeed academically and professionally.

“St. Petersburg College opened the door to possibilities I never imagined — including the path that eventually took me to space. SPC has always been about more than degrees; it’s about empowering people to reach their highest potential and then bring that impact back to their communities,” said Nicole Stott, astronaut, SPC alumna and part of the Honorary Campaign Committee. “The Pathway to Better campaign is our chance to ensure future generations have those same opportunities to dream big, achieve more and transform the world around them.”

New Economic Impact Findings

A recent independent study shows how an investment in SPC provides exponential benefits to the Tampa Bay community. The study by Lightcast showed that for every $1 invested in SPC, the community gains $13.70 in income and social savings, highlighting SPC’s role not only in higher education but also in regional prosperity. SPC generated $3.2 billion in income for the Tampa Bay region during the 2022–23 fiscal year — equal to about 1.4% of the region’s total gross regional product.

Key findings include

• In Pinellas County alone, SPC’s annual impact was $1.8 billion, with over 21,500 jobs supported.
• $2.9 billion in added income generated by alumni, supporting more than 31,000 jobs — an economic boost equivalent to hosting the Super Bowl eight times.
• SPC supported more than 35,383 jobs across the region — that’s 1 out of every 62 jobs in Tampa Bay.

A Vision for the Future

As part of its multiyear Facilities Master Plan, SPC is reinvesting in its campuses with projects designed to meet workforce needs and expand opportunities for students. A centerpiece of the plan is a new state-of-the-art manufacturing training lab at the Midtown Center in South St. Petersburg.

The Midtown Industry 4.0 Lab will provide hands-on training in semiconductors, mechatronics, automation and robotics. The lab is designed to fuel the state’s advanced manufacturing workforce while offering opportunities for residents in the area to gain high-wage credentials.

With global manufacturing leaders like Jabil, Honeywell and Lockheed Martin in the region, SPC’s investment ensures students are prepared for high-demand, high-skill careers. The plan also expands SPC’s nursing program at both the Clearwater Campus and the Midtown Center, strengthening healthcare education and opening doors to new community partnerships.

“At SPC, philanthropy drives progress,” said Jesse Turtle, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of the Foundation. “Every contribution to the Pathway to Better Campaign directly supports students through scholarships, innovative programs and facilities that reflect the needs of today’s workforce. Together, we can create opportunities that will impact generations to come.”

A Legacy That Shapes the Next Century

As Florida’s first two-year college and the first to offer bachelor’s degrees, SPC has long led the way in access to education. The Pathway to Better Campaign builds on that legacy, advancing SPC’s mission of creating better jobs, better lives and better communities — while strategic investments in facilities and workforce training pave the way for the College’s next 100 years.

How to Give

Community members and alumni are invited to join the Pathway to Better Campaign by contributing. Every gift helps SPC continue to expand opportunities for students and strengthen the Tampa Bay region for the next century.