Give to the Kimberly J. Van Gundy Endowed Scholarships in Education and Interior Design
Kimberly Van Gundy was a tireless advocate for education and a dedicated supporter of worthy causes. She passed away in August 2023, leaving a legacy of kindness, commitment and an enduring impact on the lives of countless individuals.
Her life was marked by her unwavering dedication to helping others. Working on a community college campus, she devoted herself to improving the educational experience for students. Her passion for education was evident in every aspect of her work, from mentoring students to advocating for better resources and support systems. Colleagues and students alike remember her as a compassionate and inspiring figure, always willing to lend a helping hand and offer words of encouragement.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Van Gundy was deeply committed to various charitable causes including her involvement with the Foundation for Seminole State College, Seminole County Public Schools, Stetson University and many more throughout Central Florida and beyond. She believed in the power of community and the importance of giving back. Her efforts extended beyond the campus, touching the lives of those in need through her volunteer work and charitable contributions. Her selflessness and generosity made her a beloved figure in the community, and her absence is deeply felt by all who knew her.
One of her greatest passions was interior design. She had a keen eye for decorating and took great joy in renovating the homes she lived in. Her creativity and attention to detail transformed spaces into warm and inviting environments. This passion for design was not just a hobby; it reflected her desire to create beauty and comfort for those around her.
To honor her memory and continue her legacy of support for education and creativity, her family has generously donated two scholarships to Seminole State College. These scholarships will provide invaluable opportunities for students to pursue their passions and achieve their dreams, just as Van Gundy always encouraged them to do.
The Kimberly J. Van Gundy Endowed Scholarship in Education is dedicated to students pursuing a career in education or counseling, ensuring that Kim's commitment to fostering learning and growth lives on. Seminole State students pursuing a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Elementary Education (K-6) or Exceptional Student Education (K-12), or completing an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree to pursue a career in guidance counseling are eligible. Preference will be given to students who reside in Seminole County and demonstrate financial need.
The second scholarship in her name supports students studying interior design, reflecting her love for decorating and renovation. Students who possess a GPA of 2.5 or higher and are enrolled in Seminole State's Associate in Science or B.S. program in Interior Design are eligible. Preference will be given to students who have graduated from Lake Mary High School, reside in Seminole County and/or demonstrate financial need.
The Seminole State College community is profoundly grateful for her contributions and the lasting impact she has made. Van Gundy's legacy of compassion, dedication and creativity will continue to inspire future generations of students. While her loss is deeply felt, her spirit lives on through the lives she touched and the scholarships that will help shape the futures of many.
Kim Van Gundy's life was a testament to the power of education, the importance of giving back, and the beauty of living with passion and purpose. She will be remembered not only for her accomplishments but also for the kindness and warmth she brought to the world. Her legacy is one of hope, inspiration and an enduring commitment to making the world a better place.
Success Stories
The first recipients of the education and interior design scholarships honoring Kimberly J. Van Gundy recently met with her husband, Stan Van Gundy, and her mother, Jane Dennan, to learn more about the amazing impact she had on all those around her. Each recipient received a $5,500 scholarship for the 2024-25 academic year.
Isabell Dizon
Isabell Dizon is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with the ultimate goal of owning an interior design firm after earning her degree and additional work experience. Passionate about the field, she is most proud of becoming a full-time employee at a design firm after working as an intern. She credits her mentors who have inspired her to be her best and looks forward to serving as a mentor to the next generation of designers.
“I am thankful for this scholarship which has made it possible for my dream to come true. I want to create unique, but functional spaces that make people feel comfortable and plan to focus in residential design.”
Ashley Bartley
Growing up, Ashley Bartley experienced first-hand how a well-designed space can influence mental health and overall well-being. She aims to start a residential design firm, where she will focus on creating homes that reflect the best parts of the people living in them. She believes that a home should be a sanctuary, a place where individuals can feel safe, comfortable and truly themselves. She wants to help others achieve a sense of belonging and peace in their homes, regardless of their backgrounds or financial situations. She looks forward to turning her passion into reality by earning her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design.
“I am deeply touched and truly honored to receive this support. Your generosity not only helps me but also significantly eases my financial burden. Knowing that someone believes in my potential and is willing to invest in my future fills me with profound gratitude and motivation. It reassures me that I am on the right path and inspires me to work even harder to achieve my goals.”
Marielena Lappost
Initially enrolling in an early childhood education class just to complete her schedule during her high school freshman year, Marielena Lappost discovered her passion for teaching. During her first year, she was introduced to the early childhood education program and loved the atmosphere and the potential she saw in those children. She continued with the program in her second year and began to create and facilitate lessons, and then knew this is what she was meant to do. A graduate of Lake Howell High School, Lappost is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education (K-6).
"This scholarship will make a world of a difference in my life and truly allow me to place more focus in my education and my journey in teaching by taking some of the financial burden off of my shoulders. There are no words to truly describe the change this will make and how forever grateful I am to the Van Gundy family."
Brittany Abel
Brittany Abel chose to pursue a career in teaching to help inspire young minds to reach their full potential. In high school, she participated in the teaching program and tutored students in math and science. She looks forward to serving as a teacher in one of the upper elementary grades after earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. Eventually, she would like to earn her master’s degree and return to Seminole State as a faculty member.
“This scholarship means so much to me. It’s more than the financial support, it serves as the validation that others believe in my dream and are so supportive of my efforts to achieve it.”