Foundation Newsletter
Page 3
SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Grateful Scholarship
Recipients Celebrate
T
he Annual Titan Scholarship Reception was held on March 3 to honor
our scholarship donors and recipients. The event was bigger and better than ever.
Attendees enjoyed a nice meal followed by speakers and award recognition. Sheriff
Wayne Ivey, 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, spoke about his experience at
the College and the importance of education, no matter what stage of life. Students were
individually recognized and presented certificates for their achievements. Donors who
attended were recognized as well. “It is such a joyous evening. Seeing the donors and recipients really makes
the work we do at the Foundation all come together,” said Tonya Cherry, Donor Relations Coordinator. “I am
proud and grateful to be a part of it all, and I think the students and donors are as well.”
Students and donors expressed their feelings through an interactive project at the event. A student wrote:
Because you gave, ”I was able to continue my education to pursue my nursing career. Thank you for believing
in me.” Another wrote: “This father, husband, and nurse made it to medical school.” And a donor wrote: “I
give because we believe in hard work against all odds.” Jennie Kriete, Director, EFSC Foundation, reminded the
students that someone who did not even know them, believed in them, asking them to never forget that and
remember to give back. “It’s about helping the community. Supporting the students. We are proud to have
been doing this for many years.” - Vivian Iduate, Cape Kennedy Corvette Club.
Current students may apply for scholarships for the Fall 2020 semester until May 18, 2020 through the EFSC Foundation online
application system. Please share this information with students that you may know.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT
Preston and Betts Silvernail
T
he Honorable J. Preston Silvernail and Betts Silvernail have been an integral part of the
Eastern Florida State College family. Retired judge Silvernail is an alumnus of BCC, and his
wife, Betts, an accomplished financial advisor, was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush in 1999
to the College Board of Trustees. Not only do they have connections to the College, but they
are committed donors to our students. In 2007, the Silvernails created the Preston and Betts
Silvernail Scholarship to support a student’s tuition, books and fees for one academic year.
What a generous gift! Each year, the Silvernails replenish their scholarship so a student can be
awarded the gift of an education.
When asked why they chose to support EFSC, this is what Judge Silvernail had to say. “This
college is such an important part of this community, and to have the highest level of technology
available and still be affordable is a gift to Brevard County.” says Judge Silvernail. “As a trustee,
I learned about the specialized programs and the innovation provided to our students. What a
benefit to have high-level programs in our community,” remarked Betts Silvernail. Both stated
that they intend to continue their support and are grateful to have the opportunity to give.
The College is 60 years old this year, and with the unexpected pandemic in our midst, continues to be a refuge for our community by
providing an excellent education. Our hope is to create 60 new scholarships this year to assist even more students as we build our
community for the future. If you are interested in starting a scholarship, please contact [email protected] or call 321-433-7055.
EFSC’s Health Sciences Department donated gloves, masks and gowns to area hospitals. At the request of the
state, they were also able to donate 6 ventilators! EFSC is doing its part to help during the pandemic.