Helen Gilbart: Her Final Gift, Her Forever Impact

2/4/2026

In life, Helen Gilbart was a beloved creative writing and composition teacher at St. Petersburg College, a proud alumna and a devoted supporter of the many students she taught and mentored over the years. Yet even in passing, her impact and influence will be felt for many generations to come.

That’s because Gilbart made a habit of giving to the institution that she believed in so deeply. When she retired in 1997, she and her husband Don included SPC in their estate plans and created a scholarship endowment to help students pursue their passions.

In addition, she had a hand in creating what has become the We’re On the Way (WOW) program, which provides resources for students seeking to earn a degree or certification. She served on the board of the College’s Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art, founded Study Abroad scholarships so students could expand their horizons and remained actively involved in the work of the school, its students and the SPC Foundation.

Gilbart died at age 91 in September 2024, 13 years after her husband, but she made a final gift to the College in the form of a bequest that encapsulates her giving spirit. The generous donation will continue to fund student scholarships in perpetuity and support the Leepa-Rattner Museum at SPC’s Tarpon Springs Campus.

It was a fitting final gesture from a woman who led the humanities, fine arts and communications programs, oversaw SPC’s literary magazine, The Obelisk, authored three college textbooks and wrote a poem that is printed in every commencement program at the College. Titled “Come, Voyagers,” her poem’s words delve into the topics of growth and exploration — something she encouraged in all of her students.

“Helen mentored a generation of St. Petersburg College faculty by setting a perfect example through her unwavering dedication to excellence in teaching and her profound belief in the potential of every student,” said Dr. Barbara Hubbard, Dean of SPC’s College of Arts and Humanities.

“Her compassionate leadership, innovative spirit and tireless advocacy for both faculty and students created a culture of collaboration and growth, which continues to inspire the SPC community to this day.” — Dr. Barbara Hubbard, Dean of SPC’s College of Arts and Humanities

Gilbart was born in 1933 in Vinton, Va., a small town east of Roanoke in the shadows of the Blue Ridge Mountains. In 1964, she enrolled in what was then known as St. Petersburg Junior College (SPJC). After graduating, she went on to attend the University of Florida (UF). After earning a master’s degree, she returned to SPJC to teach English composition, creative writing and humanities on the Clearwater Campus. Known for her gentle and caring manner, she served as a program director of Communications, Humanities and Fine Arts for 12 years. Upon her retirement, she devoted her time as a Project Success mentor and took joy in tutoring students and watching them make strides.

In 2014, then-SPC President Dr. Bill Law
honored Helen Gilbart with the title of Professor Emerita.

Gilbart and her husband had many areas of interest beyond SPC and the Leepa-Rattner Museum, including support of the Tampa Museum of Art, the Florida Orchestra, the UF College of Education, Hillsborough Community College and mentoring students for the Hillsborough Education Foundation. She was also passionate about the Florida Gators footballteam, the Tampa Bay Rays, hiking and travel. And true to her compassionate personality, she loved being part of Meals on Wheels to deliver food to those in need.

One of her proudest moments came in 2014 when Gilbart received the SPC Alumni Association Outstanding Alumnus Award and was honored with the title of Professor Emerita. Three years later came additional recognition: the Hillsborough Education Foundation Our Students, Our Future Award, and SPC’s President’s Circle Award.

A UF College of Education story about Gilbart noted her ease with modern technology. That began in the 1980s when SPC purchased 25 Mac computers for the department’s learning center. Even into her 80s, she always had a smartphone, Kindle and iPad close at hand to read and learn. She was known, the story says, for lending her devices to neighbors and book club members — even the high school students she mentored.

“I saw miracles happening with how much students were learning. I’ve got to learn how to use these,” she said.

Gilbart was always learning, always involved and always finding ways to enrich the students she helped so much. And with her latest gift, she will continue to do so long into the future.

“I just like to see people blossom through the possibilities that are out there.” — Helen Gilbart