Jane E. Silverberg's Dedication to SPC Leaves Lasting Impact

12/19/2019

Donald A. and Jane E. Silverberg

First Generation Scholarships. The Silverberg International Film Festival. The Silverberg Coffee Talk Series. The Bay Pines STEM Center. The Silverberg Community Center.

All of these programs greatly enhance St. Petersburg College and wouldn't exist without the generosity and hard work of Jane E. Silverberg. The longtime benefactor died in December, leaving a legacy at SPC.

A public school teacher, business leader and philanthropist, this lifelong Floridian accomplished much for her community. Her work with SPC was one achievement of which she was most proud. The Silverberg Endowment, established by Jane and her late husband Don, has supported programs and projects developed by SPC for more than 35 years.

The 2019-20 Silverberg Endowment recipients include:

• Megan Flocken - Laptop Lending Program Expansion
• John Kurnik - Practical Music Business: A Student Managed and Operated Original Composition Concert Series
• Kari Morrel - Midtown Library Technology Enhancement
• Alanna Olah - ADA Compliance vs. Wheelchair Friendliness

Silverberg also served as a director of the St. Petersburg Junior College Development Foundation, Inc. from 1983 – 1995. In 2017, she designated $150,000 to benefit the new Bay Pines STEM Center. The Community Center at the location bears the name “Silverberg Community Center.”

Silverberg and her husband believed in St. Petersburg College faculty, staff and students.

"For over three decades they have provided financial support for special projects and programs in an effort to promote student success and enhance the college experience," SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams said. "They always enjoyed interacting with our students and faculty members. Words cannot express our sadness over the loss of one of our biggest champions."