Celebration of Giving showcases the power of partnerships at Seminole State

The Foundation for Seminole State College welcomed donors, alumni, community partners and friends of the College to its annual Celebration of Giving and Alumni Legacy Awards on Oct. 6. The evening honored individuals and organizations whose commitment continues to strengthen Seminole State and its students, while giving guests their first look at the updated workforce trades facility.

During the past fiscal year, nearly 1,500 donors helped the Foundation raise over $4 million, grow its assets to a record $53.6 million and provide scholarships to more than 1,600 students. At this year’s Celebration of Giving, guests had the opportunity to see examples of what that kind of investment can make possible.

As guests toured the newly named George and Gretchen Smith Center for Workforce Trades, they saw a facility transformed for hands-on learning. Renovated classrooms featured updated equipment, fresh paint and study areas brought to life in Seminole State blue and gold. Other updates included improved accessibility and infrastructure.

From the plumbing lab with working fixtures to spaces dedicated to HVAC, carpentry, electrical, welding, utilities and more, Seminole State students can learn their craft in environments designed for hands-on experience. In one of the larger classrooms stood a “tiny house;” a learning project where students studying the trades put their skills to work while also learning how their individual specialties come together to build a structure.

“Each year we gather to celebrate your generosity, and each year, we are humbled by the extraordinary commitment you demonstrate to Seminole State College and our students,” Seminole State President Dr. Georgia L. Lorenz told guests.

Dr. Lorenz pointed to the many ways that support reaches students: from classroom equipment and renewed campus spaces to outstanding faculty and scholarships that create new opportunities.

“Simply put, you all are making a difference for our students, our College and our community,” she said.

Celebrating Alumni Who Make an Impact

The evening also recognized Seminole State alumni whose accomplishments, leadership and service reflect the College’s impact throughout Central Florida and beyond.

Five graduates received 2026 Alumni Legacy Awards:

• Adrian Thomas, Outstanding Graduate Award
• Hayley Furman, Alumni Honors Award
• Kenna Henry, Alumni Excellence Award
• Chip Colandreo, Alumni Excellence Award
• Larry Campbell, Distinguished Alumni Award (the highest alumni honor)

Florida College System Chancellor Kathy Hebda joined the celebration and spoke about the role Seminole State graduates play in strengthening their communities and Florida’s workforce.

“The alumni we honor here embody the talent, determination and spirit of service that sets Seminole State College apart,” Hebda said. “Their impact is reflected in the careers they’ve built, the families they’ve inspired and the communities they’ve led.”

Seminole State graduates contribute an estimated $1.1 billion to the Central Florida economy each year, Dr. Lorenz told guests, demonstrating the College’s broader impact on the region it serves.

Honoring Leadership and Philanthropy

The Foundation also presented two of its highest honors during the evening, recognizing a longtime Board leader and a community partner whose investments are helping Seminole State students stay on track toward graduation.

Mike Morgan, a past chair of the Foundation Board of Directors and vice president of Comprehensive Energy Services, received the Barbara Miller Chairperson’s Award. Named for longtime Board leader Barbara Miller, the award recognizes a Board member whose leadership, commitment and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact on the Foundation and Seminole State.

Morgan was recognized for his continued involvement with the Foundation, his willingness to step forward when needed and his commitment to ensuring students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

Heart of Florida United Way received the Champion of Philanthropy Award, which recognizes a partner whose generosity and commitment have made an extraordinary impact on the Foundation, College and its students. Heart of Florida United Way President and CEO Jeff Hayward accepted the award on the organization’s behalf.

The recognition follows Heart of Florida United Way’s $1 million investment in Seminole State, supporting the expansion of Destination Graduation and Seminole State Commits and the establishment of the Raider C.A.R.E. Village. Together, the initiatives are designed to connect students with resources, financial support and guidance that can help them overcome barriers, remain in school and complete their education.

The partnership offered another example of the theme playing out throughout the evening: what becomes possible when people and organizations invest in Seminole State students.

A New Chapter for Workforce Education

That investment was especially visible in the transformed George & Gretchen Smith Center for Workforce Trades.

The renovation was launched by a $2 million gift from the Wharton-Smith Foundation, announced at 2024’s Dream Gala. The gift continued a relationship among Wharton-Smith, the Smith family and Seminole State that stretches back more than 25 years.

Wharton-Smith and the Smith family have supported the college’s students, faculty and programs in numerous ways, including endowed scholarships, mentoring and support for construction education.

Tim Smith, president and CEO of Wharton-Smith, reflected on that history as he spoke on behalf of his family.

“It’s an amazing honor to have our name on the building and to be able to be a part of what all of us, collectively, have done for the college,” Smith shared.

Smith’s mother, Gretchen, joined the celebration, while his father, George, was unable to attend. Smith recalled that several months earlier, he had shown his father a photograph of the renovated facility that now bears their names.

 “He teared up,” Smith shared, relating what the transformation and building’s name meant to his family. “We’re very grateful, as a family, to Seminole State and to everybody that’s been a part of this; we look back at the past, but this is definitely a dedication to the future.”

Many of those who helped bring the building transformation to life were in the room that evening. Additional donors and industry partners helped create and equip spaces throughout the center, including:

• Morton Electric
• Guignard Company
• S.I. Goldman Company
• HGR Construction
• PCL Construction
• Tharp Plumbing Systems
• ECS
• Duke Energy
• BOS

In addition, BOS and KI helped furnish spaces throughout the facility, while DLR Group contributed to its design.

Their involvement represents more than support for a renovated building. These partners come from industries that need highly trained employees, investing alongside a College preparing students to become them.

Hebda described that connection as the Florida College System in action, opening doors to education while connecting Floridians with rewarding careers in high-demand fields.

“Thank you for turning promise into progress,” she told donors and community partners.

For Seminole State students, that progress now includes new places to learn, practice their skills and prepare for the careers ahead.