A Legacy of Progress: From the President’ s Club to the 1975 Club
In August of 1975, a group of visionary community leaders gathered to organize what is now the Pasco-Hernando State College Foundation. From those humble beginnings, a powerful engine for higher education in our community was born.
FOUNDATION NEWS
In 1976, under the first Chairman James Kimbrough, the President’ s Club was established. The concept was brilliant in its accessibility: community members pledged an annual contribution of $ 50 to help cover the Foundation’ s operating costs. This operational bedrock served a strategic and selfless purpose. By covering necessary daily expenses like printing, postage and audit fees, the President’ s Club ensured that all other community contributions could be used exactly for their expressed purpose.
( L to R) PHSC President Emeritus Milton O. Jones, Ph. D., with President’ s Club Members Charles Gardener, Nancy Wilkes and Alfred McKethan
Thanks to this steady support, the Foundation experienced tremendous growth. Membership expanded from 20 dedicated individuals in 1979 to 140 members by 1984 under the leadership of Chairman Wayne Cobb. This vital administrative backing elevated the College’ s standing and allowed larger gifts to directly support premier initiatives, including a nationally top-ranked Dental Hygiene program in 1995.
As Don Vierling, M. D., an Honorary Board Member, beautifully summarized in a letter to the community:“ Every dollar I invest in the Foundation’ s operations comes back as a benefit to my family and neighbors.”
Today, the College continues its legacy of“ Preparing for Tomorrow’ s Challenges--- Today”. To carry this community-driven spirit into a new era, we are proud to launch our new monthly giving program: The 1975 Club.
Named for the year the Foundation began, this new program modernizes the legacy of our earliest supporters. By making a convenient, recurring monthly gift of $ 15 or more, you provide the reliable backing needed to ensure that quality, accessible higher education remains a reality for Pasco and Hernando counties.
To become a partner in progress and join The 1975 Club, visit giving. phsc. edu.
The lapel pin given to members of the President’ s Club
A commemorative plaque featuring the members of the President’ s Club: Lifetime Fellows Society
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