[{"Title":"SPC Titan Fund Supports Physical Therapy Program","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/spc-titan-fund-supports-physical-therapy-program","value":{},"title":"SPC Titan Fund Supports Physical Therapy Program","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/PTA-students-tn.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"SPC Titan Fund Supports Physical Therapy Program banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/PTA-students.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"SPC Titan Fund Supports Physical Therapy Program banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-09-06T15:28:00","Headline":"SPC Titan Fund Supports Physical Therapy Program","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>Each year on September 12, Titans come together on SPC Day to celebrate the anniversary of the first day of classes in 1927. During the day, Titans are encouraged to give to the Titan Fund, and last year they did – with more than 400 donors giving $167,000.</p><p>The Titan Fund supports a number of initiatives to provide St. Petersburg College students with wraparound services and educational opportunities. Earlier this year, the fund was used to purchase 10 new tables for the College’s Physical Therapy Assistant program.</p><p>This A.S. degree program trains students for a hands-on career as a physical therapist assistant through training and education. As part of the program, students prepare to take and pass the national licensing exam of the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.</p><p>Central to the heart of SPC’s mission is a drive to ensure our students earn degrees and certificates that lead to better jobs and better lives for their families. This program certainly does that, with graduates earning on average $70,530 annually in the Tampa Bay region.</p><p>“Gifts to the SPC Titan Fund make a real difference each year in the lives of countless St. Petersburg College students,” said Jesse Turtle, SPC Vice President of Institutional Advancement. “Many times, it’s not easy to see the difference these gifts make, but the therapy tables are tangible evidence of the impact of generous SPC supporters.”</p><p>To give to the SPC Day and the SPC Titan Fund, <a href="https://www.givecampus.com/schools/StPetersburgCollege/celebrating-spcday-2024/" target="_blank" title="SPC giving website" rel="noopener">visit the giving website</a>.</p><div class="row"><div class="small-12 medium-6 columns"><img src="Images/Foundation/Newsroom/PTA2.jpg" alt="physcial therapy assistant instructor smiling in back of the new physical therapy table" title="WOW conference gathering" /></div><div class="small-12 medium-6 columns"><img src="Images/Foundation/Newsroom/PTA1.jpg" alt="physcial therapy assistant students using their new tables for clinicals" title="WOW conference gathering" width="418" height="557" /></div></div>","CategoryIds":"1325|2114|1379"},{"Title":"Nicole Stott Joins SPC Foundation Board of Directors","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/nicole-stott-joins-spc-fdn-board","value":{},"title":"Nicole Stott Joins SPC Foundation Board of Directors","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Nicole-Stott-alumni.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Nicole Stott Joins SPC Foundation Board of Directors banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Nicole-Stott-SPC-alumni.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Nicole Stott Joins SPC Foundation Board of Directors banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-08-21T14:13:00","Headline":"Nicole Stott Joins SPC Foundation Board of Directors","Blurb":"","Content":"<p><img src="Images/Foundation/Newsroom/NIcole-Stott-SPC-day.jpg" alt="Nicole Stott smiling outdoors" title="Nicole Stott joins SPC FDN Board" width="350" height="250" class="blockImg" style="float: right;" />Nicole Stott is a St. Petersburg College alumna, an engineer, and a retired NASA Astronaut, a veteran of five separate missions on both the space shuttle and the International Space Station.</p><p> Now, you can add one more title to her impressive biography: she’s joining the St. Petersburg College Foundation Board of Directors. During the 2023 SPC Day celebration, Stott noted the role SPC played in her journey to space.</p><p> “SPC started me on a lifetime of exploration – and I’ve been able to explore our planetary home from the most remarkable places as a space shuttle astronaut,” she said. “One of the lessons I learned from my time at SPC is that problem solving requires both technical knowledge and creativity. At NASA, we knew that creativity was the key to finding solutions.</p><p> “SPC is where I discovered I belong. My time here led to a life of purpose and meaning.”</p><p> Jesse Turtle, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at St. Petersburg College, said he is thrilled that Stott has agreed to join the board.</p><p> “Nicole represents the best of SPC,” he said. “Like every student that arrives here, she had a dream of what her life could be, and the college provided her the opportunity and the skills to begin to make that dream a reality. We know she brings with her a powerful vision for the Foundation’s and the college, and I can’t wait to work with her to make it happen.”</p><p> Stott formally joined the Board at its August 16 meeting. The FBOD consists of 20 members from across Pinellas County and solely exists to support the College and its mission.</p>","CategoryIds":"1377|1325|2114|1379"},{"Title":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Celebrates a Decade-Long Partnership with Universal Financial Consultants","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/st-petersburg-college-alumni-network-celebrates-a-decade-long-partnership-with-universal-financial-consultants","value":{},"title":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Celebrates a Decade-Long Partnership with Universal Financial Consultants","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/UCF-SPC-Partnership-400x253.png","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Celebrates a Decade-Long Partnership with Universal Financial Consultants banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/UCF-SPC-Partnership-1500x950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Celebrates a Decade-Long Partnership with Universal Financial Consultants banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-06-04T11:32:00","Headline":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Celebrates a Decade-Long Partnership with Universal Financial Consultants","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>The St. Petersburg College Alumni Network (SPCAN), in collaboration with St. Petersburg College Workforce, Community, & Corporate Partnerships, recently co-hosted a memorable Community Partnership Appreciation Ceremony. This special event, held on May 7, 2024, celebrated the 10-year partnership between St. Petersburg College (SPC) and Universal Financial Consultants (UFC).</p><p>Theresa McFarland, Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving Program, and Sara Sabourin, Business Relationship Manager, facilitated the event, showcasing the successful collaboration initiated by Jeff Mowry. Mowry, a double SPC alum (Class of 1998 and 2014) and now UFC's Senior Financial Designer, proposed recruiting students from SPC's capstone projects program. His vision has profoundly impacted both SPC students and UFC's workforce, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Reflecting on SPC's capstone projects program, Mowry remarked, "My degree from SPC prepared me for the job I have now. The program taught me to think beyond the normal set of circumstances and apply a creative side to number analysis. That's actually what's needed in our field today."</p><p>UFC operates as a financial marketing organization, specifically supporting and empowering established financial advisors across the nation. Their focus is on helping advisors achieve their professional goals. The corporation boasts about building strong relationships with their partners, providing top-notch marketing and sales support. Overall, Universal Financial Consultants acts as a behind-the-scenes partner for financial advisors, providing the tools and support they need to be successful.</p><p>The SPC capstone projects, which are facilitated by Drs. Robin Wilber, Tom Phillipe, Roni Murphy and Wende Huehn-Brown, have become a critical pipeline for UFC’s talent acquisition. Each semester, UFC awards the winning capstone project with a $1,000 prize through the UFC Analysis Accuracy Award, recognizing outstanding student work and encouraging analytical excellence.</p><p>This year's Community Partnership Appreciation ceremony was especially notable as it coincided with UFC’s annual Analysis Accuracy Award ceremony. SPC and UFC shared the festivities under the theme "Building Bridges: Nurturing Alumni Pathways and Workforce Development." The Building Bridges ceremony celebrates the enduring partnership between SPC and local businesses, emphasizing the value of employing SPC graduates. Impressively, nearly two-thirds of UFC’s workforce is comprised of SPC alumni.</p><p>During the ceremony, UFC was honored with the SPC Alumni Network Building Bridges Award, acknowledging their exceptional support and collaboration with the college. Melissa Vigil, an SPC alum from the classes of 2014 and 2017, was awarded the SPCAN Outstanding Alumni Employee for a Community Partner Award for her dedication to the capstone program and her exemplary work at UFC as a Financial Designer, Marketing Support & Business Data Analyst.</p><p><img src="Images/Foundation/Newsroom/UCF-SPC-Partnership-c-350x250.jpg" alt="Dr. Robin Wilber receiving capstone award holding plaque" title="award winner Dr. Robin Wilber " width="350" height="250" class="blockImg" style="float: right;" />In a heartfelt tribute to honor Dr. Robin Wilber, a recently retired Professor of Finance from SPC, Jeff Mowry announced the renaming of the UFC Analysis Accuracy Award to the Dr. Robin Wilber Analysis Accuracy Award. This renaming acknowledges Dr. Wilber’s invaluable contributions to the capstone program and her pivotal role in nurturing the talents of countless students.</p><p>The event was well-received, featuring special appearances from Vince Munno, UFC President/CEO and Founder, Jorge Villar, UFC Director of Advisor Development and both Alfredo Gonzales and Andrew Wonch, former SPC capstone students who now serve on UFC's Design Team. Each speaker shared inspiring stories about the transformative impact of SPC’s programs and the robust partnership with UFC.</p><p>The Community Partnership Appreciation Ceremony underscored the strength of the collaboration between SPC and UFC, highlighting how alumni engagement and corporate partnerships can drive workforce development and create lasting benefits for students and the community.</p><p>For more information about the SPC Alumni Network and upcoming events, please visit the SPC Alumni Network <a href="https://flow.page/spcalumni" target="_blank" title="visit the SPC Alumni Network" rel="noopener">stpe.co/AlumniLife</a> or contact the SPC Alumni Network Program Office at <a href="tel:727-341-3126" target="_blank" title="contact SPC Alumni Network Program Office (727) 341-3126" rel="noopener">(727) 341-3126</a>.</p><p>Stay connected as we continue to build bridges and nurture pathways for future generations of SPC graduates.</p>","CategoryIds":"1570|1380|1377|1378|1379"},{"Title":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Hosts Successful First-Time Home Ownership Workshop","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/st-petersburg-college-alumni-network-hosts-successful-first-time-home-ownership-workshop","value":{},"title":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Hosts Successful First-Time Home Ownership Workshop","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/first-time-home-ownership-workshop-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Hosts Successful First-Time Home Ownership Workshop banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/first-time-home-ownership-workshop.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Hosts Successful First-Time Home Ownership Workshop banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-05-23T15:37:00","Headline":"St. Petersburg College Alumni Network Hosts Successful First-Time Home Ownership Workshop","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>The St. Petersburg College (SPC) Alumni Network recently hosted a highly successful First-Time Home Ownership Workshop, marking a significant event in the newly established Circle of Learning Series. This workshop, held on May 23, 2024, aimed to empower alumni with essential knowledge and practical tips for navigating the complex process of buying their first home.</p><p>The workshop was facilitated by two distinguished professionals in the real estate and mortgage industry: Madison MacGeorge, a realtor for Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, and Mike Helinger, a mortgage broker for Island Mortgage, Inc. Their combined expertise provided attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the home buying process, from initial considerations to closing the deal.</p><p>Madison MacGeorge, with years of experience in the real estate market, shared invaluable insights on choosing the right property, understanding market trends, and negotiating effectively. Her engaging presentation covered key topics such as evaluating property value, recognizing the importance of location, preparing for an inspection and what to expect during the closing process.</p><p>Mike Helinger, a seasoned mortgage broker, complemented MacGeorge’s advice by demystifying the financial side of home buying. He explained various mortgage options, discussed the importance of credit scores, provided strategies for securing the best loan rates and where to find loan assistance programs. Helinger’s practical tips on managing finances and understanding mortgage terms were particularly beneficial for those new to the housing market.</p><p>The First-Time Home Ownership Workshop is part of the Circle of Learning Series, a new initiative by the SPC Alumni Network designed to foster peer-to-peer learning among alumni. This program aims to leverage the diverse skills and experiences within the alumni community, offering workshops, seminars, and networking events on various topics of interest.</p><p>Attendees of the workshop praised the event for its informative content and the opportunity to engage with industry professionals. “This workshop was incredibly helpful.” said Alissa Horner an SPC alumna who recently began her home search. “The insights from Madison and Mike made me feel much more confident about the process. I now have a clear plan and know what steps to take next.”</p><p>The Circle of Learning Series continues to grow, with upcoming workshops planned on topics ranging from financial planning to career development. These events reflect the SPC Alumni Network’s commitment to supporting lifelong learning and professional growth among its members.</p><p>The success of the First-Time Home Ownership Workshop underscores the value of the Circle of Learning Series and the strength of the SPC alumni community. By providing valuable educational opportunities and fostering connections, the SPC Alumni Network continues to enhance the personal and professional lives of its members.</p><p>For more information about the Circle of Learning Series and other alumni events, please visit the SPC Alumni Network <strong>stpe.co/AlumniLife</strong> or contact the SPC Alumni Network Program Office at (727) 341-3126.</p><p>Stay tuned for future workshops and join us as we continue to learn, grow and succeed together.</p>","CategoryIds":"1377|1325|1379"},{"Title":"7th Annual Alumni Mixer at SPC Clearwater Campus Draws Record Attendance","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/7th-annual-spc-alumni-mixer","value":{},"title":"7th Annual Alumni Mixer at SPC Clearwater Campus Draws Record Attendance","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/7th-alumni-mixer-400x253.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"7th Annual Alumni Mixer at SPC Clearwater Campus Draws Record Attendance banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/7th-alumni-mixer-1500x950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"7th Annual Alumni Mixer at SPC Clearwater Campus Draws Record Attendance banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-04-16T18:06:00","Headline":"7th Annual Alumni Mixer at SPC Clearwater Campus Draws Record Attendance","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>Nearly 130 alumni and guests gathered at the St. Petersburg College (SPC) Clearwater Campus on Friday, April 12, 2024, for the 7th Annual Alumni Mixer, hosted by the SPC Alumni Network. The event provided a vibrant platform for alumni to reconnect, network, and celebrate their shared experiences at SPC and St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC).</p><p>The evening kicked off with a warm welcome from Theresa McFarland, the Executive Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving program, who highlighted the impactful initiatives undertaken by the SPC Alumni Network. One of the key announcements of the evening was the unveiling of the "Alumni Life" portal. The platform serves as a pivotal tool in fostering ongoing engagement and connectivity among alumni. By offering a user-friendly interface, the portal facilitates seamless interaction for both active and prospective alumni, encouraging sustained participation in the SPC community.</p><p>Through its diverse array of features, the portal serves as a comprehensive hub of information and resources, providing current news about the college to keep alumni abreast of developments and achievements. Moreover, the portal grants access to exclusive content, such as the president's podcast, fostering a sense of transparency and connection between alumni and college leadership.</p><p>Additionally, the portal serves as a gateway to philanthropic opportunities, enabling alumni to support initiatives like the Titan Fund and the MIRA program, showcasing the enduring impact of alumni contributions on the college and its students. In essence, the "Alumni Life" portal plays a vital role in strengthening alumni ties, promoting lifelong engagement, and advancing the mission of SPC as a community-focused institution.</p><p>McFarland introduced another initiative previously launched, the "100 Strong: Women Empowering Women" program led by Deborah Swink, Executive Director of Development. This initiative stands as a beacon of empowerment and support for SPC students through harnessing the collective strength and generosity of philanthropically minded women. This program is of paramount importance as it not only provides vital financial assistance to students in need but also fosters a sense of community and solidarity among its members. By coming together to make a collective impact, these women will be actively shaping the future of SPC and uplifting the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.</p><p>The highlight of the evening was a captivating performance of "The Yellow Boat" by David Saar, presented by the SPC Theater Department under the direction of Scott Cooper. The emotional and thought-provoking play added a meaningful touch to the evening, resonating with alumni and guests alike.</p><p>The 7th Annual Alumni Mixer served as an important touchpoint for gathering and engaging SPC and SPJC alumni. It provided a valuable opportunity for alumni to network, share insights, and forge new connections. Additionally, the event showcased the college's commitment to fostering lifelong relationships with its alumni community and creating meaningful avenues for continued involvement and support.</p><p>Moreover, McFarland's announcement regarding the upcoming Alumni “Can We Talk” Focus Group in May signals the SPC Alumni Network's commitment to actively listening to alumni voices, understanding their needs, and fostering a culture of philanthropy in support of their alma mater.</p><p>As SPC continues to evolve and grow, events like these play a crucial role in strengthening the bond between the college and its alumni, ensuring a bright and connected future for generations of Titans to come.</p>","CategoryIds":"1569|1570|1380|1377"},{"Title":"St. Petersburg College Forms 100 Strong Philanthropic Society","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/st-petersburg-college-forms-100-strong-philanthropic-society","value":{},"title":"St. Petersburg College Forms 100 Strong Philanthropic Society","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/SPC-100-strong-400x253.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College Forms 100 Strong Philanthropic Society banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/SPC-100-strong-1500x950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"St. Petersburg College Forms 100 Strong Philanthropic Society banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-04-04T15:15:00","Headline":"St. Petersburg College Forms 100 Strong Philanthropic Society","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>The St. Petersburg College Foundation announced today the creation of a new philanthropic society, 100 Strong, Women Empowering Women. Formed as SPC begins preparations for its centennial celebration, this new giving society celebrates the role women play in the life of the college they love.</p><p><img src="Images/Foundation/Newsroom/100-Strong-logo-278x116.jpg" alt="logo for 100 strong philanthropic society" title="100 strong logo" width="278" height="116" class="right" />100 Strong, Women Empowering Women, focuses on the power of philanthropy to change the course of the lives of SPC students through support of two college-wide initiatives, <a href="/current-students/student-affairs/student-support-resources/titans-care-resources" title="Student Assistance Programs">Titans Care</a>, and the <a href="/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/institutional-scholarships/spc-promise-scholarship" title="SPC Promise Scholarship">SPC <em>Promise Scholarship</em></a>. Membership to 100 Strong is available by making a charitable gift of $500, $1,000, or $5,000. Donors at each level earn membership perks, but every member has the satisfaction of knowing they are making a difference for SPC students.</p><p>100 Strong Co-Chair Bertha Burruezo is excited to lead a new giving society that was created by and for women philanthropists.</p><p>“As a proud Co-Chair of the 100 Strong initiative, I am deeply committed to the transformative power of philanthropy. Through our support for Titans Care and the SPC Promise Scholarship, we are not just funding programs; we are investing in futures. Becoming involved is a declaration of the potential of every student and the communities we serve.”</p><p>The two initiatives supported by 100 Strong are student-focused and provide opportunities for a higher education to those most in need of support.</p><p>Titans Care helps students on every step of their SPC journey, from middle school through to graduation. Titans Care consists of over 30 programs that provide mentors, mental health services, food pantry, veterans’ programs, and Brother to Brother and Women on the Way (WOW).</p><p>The SPC <em>Promise Scholarship</em> stands to empower a new generation of young people. It is a revolutionary step in honoring our commitment to ensuring economic opportunity and mobility for every community in Pinellas County. The scholarship represents a promise to every student at eight Pinellas County high schools that if they graduate high school and maintain their grades, they can earn an associate degree from SPC for free.</p><p>100 Strong Co-Chair Phyllis Powell says the student focus is what drew her to give and to lead the group.</p><p>“As a retired middle school teacher, I know the commitment SPC is making will make a difference in our community for every student who can’t afford college,” said Powell. “By providing assistance to these students, 100 Strong provides them with an opportunity to develop themselves beyond high school and ensure they have a brighter economic future.”</p><p>To learn more about how you can be one of 100 Strong, and make a difference in the SPC women, contact Debbie Swink, Executive Director of Development, at <a href="mailto:Swink.Deborah@spcollege.edu" title="Swink.Deborah@spcollege.edu">Swink.Deborah@spcollege.edu</a>.</p>","CategoryIds":"1380|1377|1381|1325|1378"},{"Title":"Duke Energy Florida gives $50,000 to SPC Promise Scholarship Fund","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/duke-energy-florida-gives-50000-to-spc-promise-scholarship-fund","value":{},"title":"Duke Energy Florida gives $50,000 to SPC Promise Scholarship Fund","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Duke-Enerty-50k-Gift.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Duke Energy Florida gives $50,000 to SPC Promise Scholarship Fund banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/SPC-Foundation-Duque-1500x950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Duke Energy Florida gives $50,000 to SPC Promise Scholarship Fund banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-01-31T12:33:00","Headline":"Duke Energy Florida gives $50,000 to SPC Promise Scholarship Fund","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>Duke Energy Florida announced a $50,000 donation to St. Petersburg College’s <a href="/financial-aid/types-of-financial-aid/scholarships/institutional-scholarships/spc-promise-scholarship" title="SPC Promise Scholarship information" target="_blank" class="extLink" rel="noopener"><em>Promise Scholarship</em></a> program to provide 2024 graduates of eight Pinellas County high schools with the opportunity to attend SPC at no cost to them. The funding helps provide upcoming high school graduates with an opportunity to get their tuition and fees completely covered as they obtain associate degrees or financial aid-eligible certificates.</p><p>“This generous donation from Duke Energy helps us continue our promise to educate students into better jobs, better lives and better futures,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “We have collaborated with Duke Energy on many initiatives over the years and greatly appreciate their continued support of SPC and our students. They are intentional in their philanthropic endeavors, always striving to advance the community.”</p><p>The <em>Promise Scholarship</em> connects Pinellas County high school students with powerful opportunities at SPC. The donation reinforces Duke Energy Florida’s support for the College as well as a shared commitment to create a diverse, skilled workforce that is representative of the communities both organizations serve.</p><p>The <em>Promise Scholarship</em> was launched last year as a pilot program for graduates of area high schools with the highest poverty rates in Pinellas County. In 2023, over 460 students received the scholarship, and SPC was able to increase the number of participating high schools from five to eight in the last year.</p><p>Duke Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, owns 10,500 megawatts of energy capacity, supplying electricity to 1.9 million residential, commercial, and industrial customers across a 13,000-square-mile service area in Florida.</p>","CategoryIds":"1697|1569|1380|1381|1378|1379"},{"Title":"Mary Avery and Dewey Mitchell honor late brother with $1 million gift","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/mary-avery-and-dewey-mitchell-honor-late-brother-with-1-million-gift","value":{},"title":"Mary Avery and Dewey Mitchell honor late brother with $1 million gift","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":"Mary Avery and Dewey Mitchell honor late brother with $1 million gift banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/SPC-Foundation-LRMA2-1500x950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Mary Avery and Dewey Mitchell honor late brother with $1 million gift banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2024-01-31T12:33:00","Headline":"Mary Avery and Dewey Mitchell honor late brother with $1M gift to LRMA","Blurb":"","Content":"<p><em>Photo: From left to right Phil Allman, Mary Mitchell Avery, Becky Mitchell, Dewey Mitchell, Shirley Scoggins, and Vicki McMahan all attend the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art opening reception for Material Mastery: Florida CraftArt Permanent Collection of Fine Craft on June 9, 2023. The exhibit was sponsored by Mary Mitchell Avery.</em></p><p>A transformative gift steeped in family tradition and deep Pasco County roots will usher the acclaimed <a href="https://leeparattner.org/" target="_blank" class="extLink" title="Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art at St. Petersburg College" rel="noopener">Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art at St. Petersburg College</a> (SPC) into a new era of long-term financial stability and high-tech expansion.</p><p><img src="Images/Foundation/Newsroom/SPC-Foundation-LRMA350x250.jpg" alt="LRMA exterior photo with pond in the foreground" title="LRMA building" width="350" height="250" class="blockImg" style="float: right; padding: 15px 15px;" /></p><p>A $1 million donation from Mary Mitchell Avery and brother Dewey Mitchell honors the legacy of their late brother James W. Mitchell Jr., a Tampa gallery owner who, along with the siblings’ late mother Dorothy Mitchell, provided invaluable support for innovative artistry in the region and beyond.</p><p>“The James W. Mitchell Jr. Memorial is in honor of our dear brother Jim, whose love of the arts was a lifelong passion,” Avery and Mitchell said in a joint statement. “This gift comes with the hope that it will inspire both artists and art enthusiasts. We also hope it will help in sustaining the mission of Leepa-Rattner for many years to come. We love you, Jim, and are so humbly honored to make this gift in your name.”</p><p>This marks only the second gift of $1 million or more in the museum’s 22-year history, and its impact will be profound, according to Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art (LRMA) Executive Director Christine Renc-Carter.</p><p>“We’ve gone through a huge transition in the last several years, and this comes at a critical time for us,” she said. “It will help us with the reaccreditation process with the American Alliance of Museums — a distinction held by fewer than 6% of U.S. museums. And it will strengthen us greatly as we chart a new, post-COVID course as a college department since 2021. This gift marks one of our first efforts in joining together with the SPC Foundation to secure the future of the museum. It truly sets the tone for what is to come.”</p>","CategoryIds":"1697|1380|1378"},{"Title":"Helen K. Leslie Society honors Rusty and Becky Clark for legacy gift","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/rusty-and-becky-clark-legacy-gift","value":{},"title":"Helen K. Leslie Society honors Rusty and Becky Clark for legacy gift","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":"Helen K. Leslie Society honors Rusty and Becky Clark for legacy gift banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Rusty-and-Becky-Clark-Legacy-Gift.-1500x950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Helen K. Leslie Society honors Rusty and Becky Clark for legacy gift banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2023-12-08T14:21:00","Headline":"Helen K. Leslie Society honors Rusty and Becky Clark for legacy gift","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>The Helen K. Leslie Society was once again a cause for celebration this year with the announcement of a planned gift by the newest Society members, Rusty and Becky Clark. Rusty is a Professor Emeritus of Child and Family Studies, USF, and retired Director of the National Network on Youth Transition. Becky is a retired teacher from Plant High School in Tampa. The luncheon and reception also served as a celebration of their 80<sup>th</sup> birthdays and 50<sup>th</sup> wedding anniversary.</p><p>More than 50 members of the Society joined President Tonjua Williams and Foundation leadership at the luncheon. The program included opening remarks by acting Associate Provost Denotra Showers and a presentation by Titans Care team representative Austin Crawford. The library resources team, led by Matthew Brodie and Paul Vermeren, announced the inclusion of Rusty’s book, “Transition of Youth and Young Adults with Emotional or Behavioral Difficulties,” into SPC’s library resources.</p><p>The Clarks’ gift is designated 100 percent to Titans Care, including Pre-Collegiate, Brother to Brother, Veterans Services, and Accessibility. Rusty said he and Becky are both proud to support St. Petersburg College through their legacy gift.</p><p>“Becky and I are so pleased to be members of the Helen K. Leslie Society,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed providing some of the Titans Care team with informal consults over the past year. We are grateful for the recognition today and for allowing us to include a few of our friends on this special occasion.”</p>","CategoryIds":"1697|1380|1378|1379"},{"Title":"SPC HCA Florida Healthcare Partner to Reduce Florida’s Nursing Shortage","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/hca-florida-healthcare-partnership","value":{},"title":"SPC HCA Florida Healthcare Partner to Reduce Florida’s Nursing Shortage","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":"SPC HCA Florida Healthcare Partner to Reduce Florida’s Nursing Shortage banner image"},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/HCA-florida-healthcare2-1500x950.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"SPC HCA Florida Healthcare Partner to Reduce Florida’s Nursing Shortage banner image"},"Author":"","Date":"2023-12-01T13:12:00","Headline":"SPC, HCA Florida Healthcare partner to reduce Florida’s nursing shortage","Blurb":"","Content":"<p>A partnership between <a href="https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/" target="_blank" class="extLink" title="HCA Florida Healthcare" rel="noopener">HCA Florida Healthcare</a> and St. Petersburg College (SPC) is helping train the area’s future caregivers and combat the state’s nursing shortage.</p><p><a href="https://www.spcollege.edu/future-students/degrees-training/health-sciences-and-veterinary-technology/nursing" class="extLink" title="College of Nursing at SPC" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The College of Nursing at SPC</a> partnered with HCA Florida Healthcare on the Linking Industry to Nursing Education (LINE) grant, which incentivizes collaboration between nursing education programs and health care partners in reducing the shortage of nurses in the state. In October, the SPC Foundation recognized an $80,000 gift from HCA Florida Healthcare at a ceremony held at the Clearwater Campus.</p><p>“Estimates are the nursing shortage will grow to 59,000 by 2030. Our partnership with St. Petersburg College is an excellent opportunity to change this and help ensure we have the nurses we need to care for our patients in the years ahead,” said Leanne Salazar, DNP, MBA, ARNP, CENP, CPPS, CPHQ, FNP-BC, the Chief Nurse Executive at HCA Healthcare West Florida Division. “St. Petersburg College is a high-quality educator that not only provides well-trained nurses to our local community but also has an impressive pass rate for nursing graduates taking their state license exam. We continue to be excited about this partnership’s future.”</p><p>The money awarded through HCA Florida Healthcare provided $30,000 in new equipment and supplies in support of SPC’s nursing programs.</p><p>The college also awarded 25 students a $2,000 scholarship with the remaining funds.</p><p>“This scholarship helps students to not have to work or to work less. It can also help buy their books or to do whatever it is they need it to do so they can focus on their studies,” said Dr. Leah Olson, Academic Program Director at SPC. “Getting a nursing degree is very challenging, and the college wants all students to be prepared to take care of people and the community.”</p><p>In addition, the partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare helped SPC garner an additional $80,000 in funding through the Florida Department of Education.</p><p>SPC continues to give students access to better jobs and a better future with the help of higher education.</p><p>“St. Petersburg College is affordable and accessible, and I was able to move forward with my education because of SPC. The College of Nursing has met all my expectations,” said Sandra Krause, an SPC nursing student and scholarship recipient. “I am currently an LPN, which has opened a lot of doors for me, but becoming an RN will open a thousand doors for me. This scholarship helped me continue to do right by my family and graduate in December of this year!”</p><p>Two other scholarship recipients echoed their classmate's praises about SPC. Both Carol Gauvey and Emily Plante will graduate in May 2024, and become registered nurses thanks to SPC. Gauvey stated that the scholarship gave her the chance to go part-time. This allowed her to spend more time with family and focus on school as she takes classes at night and on the weekend.</p><p>Plante goes to class during the week and has been a part of the Titan family since before even setting foot on a college campus. “SPC has given me a lot of opportunities starting in high school with dual admissions enrollment,” Plante said. “The college has been alongside me since the beginning of my journey to my nursing degree, and I am very grateful for SPC. This scholarship has continued to help me move forward with my degree.”</p><p>SPC’s College of Nursing has prepared nurses to meet the demands of the changing health care industry for the past six decades. The partnership with HCA Florida Healthcare is proof of SPC’s commitment to its students and their future success.</p>","CategoryIds":"1380|1378|1379"},{"Title":"75","Link":{"isValid":false,"url":"","value":{},"title":"75","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"FeaturedImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Author":"","Date":"2023-10-30T13:28:00","Headline":"","Blurb":"","Content":"","CategoryIds":""}]