Foundation for Seminole State College

10/09/2026

For Foundation Board Member Kapil Dua, supporting students is personal. His own educational journey helped shape his future, and he's committed to helping others find that same opportunity.

Kapil shares his Why:
“Education has been the driving force behind every step forward in my life. I support the Foundation because I believe everyone deserves that same opportunity to elevate their future. After all, only three things truly compound: money, knowledge, and progress.”

Gratitude also plays an important role in his commitment to service.

“I want to give back and contribute to the community where I grew up, and to the college that gave me my academic start.”

Thank you, Kapil, for your gratitude, commitment, and support of Seminole State College of Florida students!

10/07/2026

What does the impact of giving look like? At our Celebration of Giving, it was all around us.

Donors, alumni, community partners and friends joined us to mark a record-breaking year for the Foundation and recognize the people and partnerships that continue to make a difference for Seminole State College of Florida and our students. We were also pleased to welcome Florida College System Chancellor Kathy Hebda as part of the evening’s celebration.

Guests got their first look at the newly transformed George and Gretchen Smith Center for Workforce Trades, touring hands-on learning spaces where students are building skills for careers in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, welding, carpentry and other high-demand trades.

A $2 million gift from the Wharton-Smith Foundation helped launch the transformation, with additional donors and industry partners stepping forward to support classrooms, labs and other spaces throughout the Center.

The evening recognized the Seminole State College of Florida - Alumni Association's 2026 Alumni Legacy Award recipients, while the Foundation honored Mike Morgan with the Barbara Miller Chairperson Award and Heart of Florida United Way as our Champion of Philanthropy.

Thank you to everyone who joined us — and to the donors, alumni and community partners whose continued support creates opportunities for Seminole State students.

09/30/2026

A’yanna Kelly has big plans for her future, and a little family inspiration is helping guide the way!

A student at Seminole State College of Florida, A’yanna is pursuing her Associate in Science in Administrative Office Management with hopes of following in her mother's professional footsteps. Her ambition? Build a successful career, create financial stability and give back to the family that has supported her along the way.

As a recipient of the University Club of Orlando Endowed Scholarship, A’yanna is grateful for the encouragement and opportunities that come with knowing someone believes in her potential.

"Because of you, I am more excited than ever to follow in my Mother's footsteps ... You have truly changed my experience at college for the better."

We're excited to see where A’yanna's determination takes her next! 💙💛

09/30/2026

A beautiful Saturday spent honoring a life and a legacy that continues to make a difference. 💙

The MFC Motorcycle Club, Central brought the community together Saturday for its 4th Annual Honor Connor Memorial Fundraiser. Among those honoring Connor's memory were students and alumni from Seminole State College of Florida, where his namesake endowed scholarship continues to help future first responders pursue their dreams.

Over the past four years, the Connor Max Firefighter Memorial Endowed Scholarship has helped 29 students pursue careers in public safety. One of those recipients, Seminole County firefighter Cameron Allen, shared his story with attendees, offering a firsthand look at how the scholarship has influenced his career in the fire service.

For Connor's family, seeing his legacy carried forward through these students brings comfort amid an immeasurable loss. For scholarship recipients, it represents an opportunity to follow their own calling to serve others.

Our heartfelt thanks to the MFC Motorcycle Club and everyone who continues to honor Connor's memory by investing in the next generation of first responders.

09/29/2026

There’s always something happening at Seminole State, and this Fall is no exception! Explore our campus events this season!

Seminole State College of Florida will offer a variety of events this fall, providing opportunities for community members, students and employees to experience the arts, explore the night sky, hear from engaging speakers and connect with career opportunities.

09/25/2026

Meet Grace Nasnas, mathematics professor at Seminole State College of Florida and someone who understands that a student’s path isn’t always a straight line.

As a student herself, Professor Nasnas had to switch gears more than once because of life circumstances. That experience is part of why she chooses to support Seminole State students today.

“I know firsthand how hard it can be to find your footing and stay focused on what really matters for your success. That’s why I support Seminole State — because I understand the struggle, and I want to help make the path a little clearer for students walking it now.”

Grace carries that perspective into her work with students, guided by a belief in what they can accomplish. "All it takes is a clear vision and people who meet them where they are, helping them see what they’re capable of," she shared.

Thank you, Professor, for believing in our students, investing in their potential and helping them find their way forward.

09/23/2026

A new year of leadership, ideas and impact is underway for the Foundation Board of Directors!

At our first meeting of the year, we officially passed the gavel from outgoing Board Chair Dan Donovan to our new chair, Rob Rosen. We’re grateful to Dan for his leadership and excited to "Step Up to the Plate for Seminole State" with Rob at the helm.

Board members also heard from Dr. Loretta Ovueraye, vice president of Academic Affairs; and put their creativity to work brainstorming auction packages for one of our favorite nights of the year — the Dream Gala.

We’re thankful for a Board that brings its time, ideas and commitment to Seminole State College of Florida and our students.

And speaking of the Dream Gala … save the date for a Night of Champions on Feb. 13, 2027! More to come!

09/18/2026

We are incredibly proud of all of these Raiders! Go State, Go Far!

09/16/2026

Some interests start with a single spark. For Amara Maldonado, it was a childhood fascination with dolphins that grew into a passion for marine life and the world beneath the water.

Now a student at Seminole State College of Florida, Amara is pursuing an Associate in Arts degree with a focus on marine biology. Her curiosity has taken her from classes at Clearwater Marine Aquarium to seeking out every opportunity she can to learn more about the ocean and its creatures.

Amara is a recipient of the Phyllis Marie Palmer Memorial Quasi-Endowed Scholarship, administered by the Foundation for Seminole State College.

“Thank you so much for providing me this opportunity. I’m extremely grateful and hope to continue upholding the standard that this honor expects of me. I will continue to try my best and uphold my academic integrity throughout my college career and into my future.”

Scholarships give students like Amara more room to explore their interests, pursue their goals and discover where their education can take them. We’re grateful to the donors who help make that exploration possible.

09/11/2026

Why does Stacey Watkins support Seminole State College of Florida? She remembers where she started.

As the Chief Nursing Officer at HCA Florida Lake Monroe Hospital, Stacey knows that investing in Seminole State students strengthens the future of our community.

"There was a time when I was a nursing student, working hard to build a future and pursuing opportunities that would allow me to make a difference in the lives of others. My journey from nursing student to Chief Nursing Officer was made possible by educators, mentors, and organizations that believed in me and invested in my growth," Stacey shared with us.

"Today, I have the privilege of leading nurses and caring for a community, but I never forget where I started. Supporting Seminole State is my way of helping create opportunities for the next generation of healthcare professionals, leaders, and community members. The students we support today will become the caregivers, innovators, and leaders our community depends on tomorrow."

Thank you, Stacey, for serving on our Foundation Board of Directors and for championing the next generation of Seminole State College of Florida students.