Remembering Gerry Weldon, First Lady of Seminole State

Seminole State College of Florida is saddened to announce the passing of Mrs. Gerry Weldon, the First Lady of Seminole State, and the wife of the College’s first president, Dr. Earl S. Weldon. Mrs. Weldon passed away Friday, May 9, at age 94.

Mrs. Weldon, a mother and teacher in Seminole County Public Schools, was a dedicated supporter of her husband during his tenure as president from 1966 to 1996 and of the college during his lifetime. After her husband’s death, Mrs. Weldon continued to be a major advocate for the college including as a longtime member of the Foundation for Seminole State College’s Board of Directors. Her kindness, generosity and welcoming spirit were loved by staff, faculty and students. 

First Lady of Seminole State

As Dr. Weldon’s successor, Dr. E. Ann McGee remembers:

“Gerry was an expert storyteller. She loved her time with the students at the College and thoroughly enjoyed telling them about the founding of the College when she and Dr. Weldon were wandering around 200 acres of orange groves trying to help students park their cars and find their classes. She was definitely an ‘involved’ First Lady, and she stayed that way during her entire life.  She was the ultimate support system for the man who dedicated 30 years of his life to the College. Gerry dedicated almost 60 years to the institution as she continued staying connected to the College after Dr. Weldon’s death. 

One of my fondest memories of Gerry was the annual Honors Dinner for graduating students. Gerry was always the most sought-after speaker as she would regale the students with stories of the College through the years.  She helped them to gain an appreciation of what it took to build the College: the love and caring that went into establishing an educational institution that they could call "home" and from where they could launch their careers. With Gerry's winning smile and ready laugh, she provided them with insights into how special Seminole Junior College/Seminole Community College/Seminole State College was not only to her, but to the community. It represented access and opportunity, and she wanted them to appreciate that and take that love and caring from the faculty and staff with them into their careers.

"Never one to put herself first, [Mrs. Weldon] always made sure that others knew how special they were. She was truly love personified."
- Dr. E. Ann McGee

At the Foundation for Seminole State College’s Annual Dream Gala, which Gerry tried not to miss, we always introduced her as the ‘First Lady of Seminole State.’ She had earned that honor over the 59 years that she dedicated to the College. Gerry was an inspiration to me and so many others. Her genuine concern for others was something that manifested itself in so many ways. Never one to put herself first, she always made sure that others knew how special they were. She was truly love personified.”

Unmatched Dedication and Love

The College’s third president, Dr. Georgia Lorenz also commented on Gerry Weldon’s influence on her and the institution. “I had the good fortune to meet Mrs. Weldon during the interview process. She asked tough questions. I could tell she was assessing whether I might be good enough to lead the college she loved so much. We became fast friends, and she was very generous to me, helping me to get to know the community and the College’s history. Her dedication to and love for the people of Seminole County and to the College were simply unmatched. And her personal imprint on the spirit of Seminole State College will never waver. We are all better for having known and loved Gerry Weldon.” 

Mrs. Weldon had a significant influence on the development and success of the college. She will be deeply missed by the Seminole State College community.