More than 100 guests attended the Florida Polytechnic University 2015 Scholarship Luncheon on April 22, which recognized and honored the generosity of donors who have supported the University and its mission with scholarship assistance for the Inaugural Class.
The luncheon, catered by Fresco’s Bakery & Bistro, was held outdoors on the east terrace of the Innovation, Science & Technology Building. “We were pleased to have another opportunity to thank our contributors who invested in the future through gifts to Florida Polytechnic University,” said Cindy Alexander, who serves as Chair of the Florida Polytechnic University Foundation Board of Directors.
Each table was attended by both donors and Florida Poly students. This gave students the opportunity to thank donors personally for their support and share their college experience. Additionally, it gave students the chance to engage with industry and community leaders, and receive valuable insight into the world they will enter upon graduation.
Students Aubury Erickson and James Nance took to the podium to talk about what the scholarship support has meant to them.
“The scholarship has enabled me to attend Florida Poly. I’ve been blessed with wonderful opportunities here that I would not have had otherwise,” said James Nance, who completed his freshman year in May.
“To attend Florida Poly is an amazing dream come true for me. This school has so much to offer in terms of academics and for students to get involved. With the help of the inaugural scholarship, a lot of students’ dreams are able to come true,” said Aubury Erickson, who also just completed her freshman year.
Mary Church, Assistant Director of Development at Florida Polytechnic University, said it was very inspiring for donors to meet and talk with students. “They were able to hear firsthand about how the scholarship support is helping these students. Because of our benefactors, these students are receiving an education that will enable them to become the leaders of tomorrow and help shape our future,” she said.
Speaking at the scholarship luncheon was David Robinson, president and chief executive officer of DSM Technology Consultants, an industry partner and major corporate donor.
“DSM is proud to be an industry partner and supporter of Florida Polytechnic University. STEM-based jobs are the wave of the future, and these students will be well-positioned from their experiential education to help shape the future employment of not only our region but our state and nation as well,” he said.
Gregory Fancelli, Owner and President of Prestige World Wide Group, was recognized at the scholarship luncheon as the presenting sponsor who underwrote the costs of the luncheon. “Not only do we look to preserve our past, but we also must look to the future to secure our heritage,” he said. “Florida Poly is our future.”