Foundation for Seminole State College endowed scholarships establish legacy

With over $1.13 million dollars in scholarships awarded last year, the Foundation for Seminole State College aims to provide students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend college the assistance to acquire the education they deserve.  
The 2,015 scholarships awarded last year came from both non-endowed and endowed scholarships. With an average annual award of $500, endowed scholarships leave a lasting legacy for both the generous donor and scholarship recipient.

To establish an endowed scholarship with the Foundation for Seminole State College,

donors make a minimum contribution of $10,000.  These funds are either gifted all at once or over a pledge period of up to three years.   Many donors choose to name their endowed scholarship after a person they love or to establish a permanent legacy.   Endowed scholarships are permanent, meaning that only the investment income earned on the fund is used for the scholarship award.

The Foundation’s endowed scholarship donors share stories about their goals for these investments and the students they want to help succeed.  Here are some of those stories:

Officer Robert German Memorial Endowed Award

The German family established this endowed scholarship to recognize “the qualities and

character that we need in law enforcement today.” The Law Enforcement Academy instructors make recommendations of potential recipients who are dedicated, hard-working, well-rounded, well-liked, and committed to becoming a police officer.  This in turn honors the memory of Officer Robert “Robbie” German, a five-year veteran of the Windermere Police Department and a 2007 graduate of the Seminole State's Criminal Justice Academy who was killed in the line of duty March 22, 2014.  German’s cousin, Ty Robare shared, "He was selfless through and through and he cared about the community. He cared about spreading love and compassion. I hope people remember him for all the things he did."  
Read more and help build the endowment.

Robin Lee Parker Endowed Scholarship in Music

For almost 45 years and counting, Robin Lee Parker has made a profound impact on

everyone she has met and worked with at Seminole State. From Broadway legend and Seminole State Alumni, Norm Lewis, to the founder of the college's music program, Dr. Burt H. Perinchief, there is not a friend, colleague, or mentee that would not be willing to share about how Robin helped them in more ways than one.  This newly established endowed scholarship was encouraged by a member of Seminole State’s community choir and will help provide scholarships to students who share Robin’s same passion for music and who will continue her enduring legacy for the college and music program.  
Read more and help build the endowment.

Dave "Mackie" Memorial Endowed Scholarship For EMS & Fire Science

Dave “Mack-Daddy” Mackie was known around the firehouse for his humor‚

thoughtfulness‚ and his easy-going‚ fun-loving attitude. Dave was at the Fire Training Academy at Seminole State working toward completion of his fire standards certification when he passed away from a sudden cardiac event caused by an undiagnosed heart defect.  Created by his colleagues and friends to continue his legacy of helping others, this endowed scholarship will be awarded to full-time students from Seminole or Volusia counties seeking an Emergency Medical Services or Fire Science Technology degree.
Read more and help build the endowment.

Gordon Murdock Memorial Endowed Scholarship

Established by his son, the Gordon Murdock Memorial Endowed Scholarship gives back  

to  Seminole State College faculty, staff, or their dependents in need of a scholarship to help make their next dream a reality.  Gordon Murdock retired from Seminole State College in 2014. He started as a painter for Seminole Community College in 1996 and retired as a Physical Plant Specialist from the maintenance department.  Joshua Murdock shares that he hopes this scholarship “will continuously give a chance for someone to reach their goals.”  The scholarship will continue the memory and legacy of Gordon Murdock by giving back to others for eternity through educational opportunities.  
Read more and help build the endowment.