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Foundation celebrates $5 million in donations

Friday, Aug 31, 2012
Staff

Art Professor Giuseppe Corazzina paints the Wayne M. Densch Partnership Center at the Celebration of Giving on Aug. 23. More images from the event are on Seminole State's Official Flickr Page.

The Foundation for Seminole State College celebrated the largest donation revenue in the history of the College and the donors who made it possible during its Celebration of Giving on Aug. 23. A total of $5 million in cash gifts and pledges was raised in 2011-12 with assets totaling $16 million -- both all-time highs.

More than 150 people attended the Celebration of Giving at the Wayne M. Densch Partnership Center Library on the Sanford/Lake Mary Campus. The event was held to recognize and thank those who have donated to the College’s Foundation over the past fiscal year and give them the opportunity to interact with students, faculty and staff on campus.

“These giving opportunities help our students, faculty, staff and community in ways that connect us all,” said John Gyllin, executive director of the Foundation. “Whether it's a sponsorship, scholarship, program support, or unrestricted gift, these giving opportunities are changing lives, giving students the opportunities to achieve and graduate.”
 
During the event, Wayne M. Densch Charities was presented with a Corporate Champion’s Award for donating $2 million for the establishment of a scholarship program for first-generation college students. The donation also gave the Orlando-based Densch trust naming rights to the Partnership Center. As an additional tribute, the Foundation presented a painting of the Partnership Center by Seminole State art Professor Giuseppe Corazzina to the Densch organization.

Highlights of the Foundation’s year include:

• Grossing a record $286,000 at the Dream Gala, the Foundation’s largest fundraising event.
• The College’s first $2 million individual donation from Seminole State educator Robert J. Schmidt. Schmidt left his entire estate of more than $2 million to Seminole State for scholarships.
• A $75,000 donation from the Orlando Magic Youth fund that will provide support for first-generation college students.
• A record-setting faculty and staff giving campaign. Nearly 50 percent of Seminole State full-time employees contributed to the Foundation, up from 24 percent the previous year.

During the event, Gyllin also paid tribute to Foundation supporters who passed away during the year, including Schmidt; Art Grindle, the College’s first individual $1 million donor; and former Foundation Board member Dale Jones.  

About the Foundation for Seminole State College: The Foundation for Seminole State is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt corporation dedicated to enhancing Seminole State College's programs and services through the development and management of private contributions, public grants and community partnerships. For more information, visit the Foundation website.