[{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2338|2433|2210|1381","Content":"<p>To celebrate the Clearwater Campus's 60th anniversary, SPC is launching the <strong>60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program</strong> — a meaningful initiative dedicated to supporting 60 exceptional students with specially designated scholarships.</p><p>Rooted in the spirit of the Clearwater Campus, this initiative honors the values that have defined it — academic excellence, leadership, innovation and service to the community.</p><p>“For 60 years, the Clearwater Campus has opened doors to opportunity and empowered students to reach their full potential,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “This celebration is not just about looking back, it’s about building on that legacy to ensure that even more students have the resources, encouragement, and pathways they need to succeed.”</p><p>Established in 1965, the Clearwater Campus is SPC’s second-oldest location, created to serve the expanding higher education needs of northern Pinellas County communities.</p><p>Now home to 14,000 students a year, the 40-acre Clearwater Campus at 2465 Drew Street offers associate and bachelor's degree programs, workforce certifications and transfer pathways.</p><p><img src="Images/Newsroom/clw-60for60-badge.jpg" alt="badge for the 60 for 60 scholarship" title="60 for 60 scholarship" width="350" height="210" class="blockImg" style="float: right;" />“The Clearwater Campus has been a cornerstone of opportunity for six decades and its history is rich with stories of perseverance, achievement, and community impact,” said Dr. Tashika Griffith, Provost of the Clearwater Campus. “The ‘60 for 60’ campaign carries that tradition forward by giving more students the chance to transform their lives through education. It is a celebration of the past and an investment in the future — supporting students who will lead the next generation.”</p><p>For long-time faculty member Jonathan Barnes, each semester brings a new opportunity to make a lasting difference.</p><p>“I get to meet new students every 16 weeks and teach them what I really love: craftsmanship and artistry,” said Barnes, who has taught printmaking and ceramics on the campus for 19 years. “While students face many issues like transportation, housing and access to food, we have so many resources to help them. We’re such a tight-knit group on this campus, it feels more like extended family.”</p><p>That thought is echoed by student Lexi O'Leary, who is pursuing her bachelor's degree in management and organizational leadership and calls the Clearwater Campus home.</p><p>“This campus is very close-knit, and everyone makes you feel so welcome,” said O'Leary, who works as a student assistant in the campus’s Career Services office. “Anytime I’ve needed anything, I always find someone on campus to help me.”</p><p><strong>The official celebration of the campus’s anniversary will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with activities and a formal cake-cutting ceremony.</strong></p><p>Prior to that, as part of the campus’s upcoming Constitution Day event on <strong>Sept. 17</strong>, a student, staff, or faculty member will be selected to place an item that they feel best represents the Clearwater Campus into our time capsule, Griffith said. This item, chosen by the individual, will be preserved and reopened during the campus' 75th anniversary.</p><p>“Currently, the time capsule contains some fascinating items, including photo albums of various buildings, faculty members, and copies of the campus' original groundbreaking blueprints and photos,” Griffith added. “These items provide a wonderful glimpse into our campus' history, and we are eager to add more meaningful artifacts that capture the essence of our community.”</p><p>To make a donation to the <strong>60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program</strong>, please visit the <a href="https://www.givecampus.com/schools/StPetersburgCollege/2025-spc-day/pages/clearwater-60-scholarship#matchallenges" target="_blank" title="visit site to make donations" rel="noopener">Give Campus page</a> or the <a href="/foundation/give-now" title="SPC site to make donations">SPC Foundation’s website</a>.</p>","Date":"2025-08-29T19:33:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Clw-opening.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"black and white vintage image of the original Junior College Clearwater Campus sign"},"Headline":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus Marks 60 Years of Learning with the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/spcs-clearwater-campus-marks-60-years-of-learning-and-impact-by-launching-the-60-for-60-student-scholarship-program","value":{},"title":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus Marks 60 Years of Learning with the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus marks 60 years of learning and impact by launching the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Clw-opening-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"black and white vintage image of the original Clearwater Campus si"},"Title":"SPC’s Clearwater Campus Marks 60 Years of Learning with the 60 for 60 Student Scholarship Program"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2114|1379|1570|1320|2113|1380|2338|2210","Content":"","Date":"2025-08-27T19:13:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SCP-day-preview-balloons.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"image of blue balloons with the words SPC Day written in white"},"Headline":"SPC Celebrates 98 Years of Academic Excellence at SPC Day on the Tarpon Springs Campus","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/spc-celebrates-98-years-of-academic-excellence-at-spc-day-on-the-tarpon-springs-campus","value":{},"title":"SPC Celebrates 98 Years of Academic Excellence at SPC Day on the Tarpon Springs Campus","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC celebrates nearly a century of education, innovation and community impact in Pinellas County during its fourth annual SPC Day on Sept. 12 at the Tarpon Springs Campus.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/SCP-day-preview-balloons-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"image of blue balloons with the words SPC Day written in white"},"Title":"SPC Celebrates 98 Years of Academic Excellence at SPC Day on the Tarpon Springs Campus"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1325|1378|2114|1379|2113|2338|2433","Content":"<p>St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) EpiCenter was filled with gratitude on Tuesday as Suncoast Credit Union presented a $250,000 check to support the Fuse Scholarship Program. As SPC leaders and partners from the University of South Florida (USF), the Community Foundation Tampa Bay and LEAP Tampa Bay College Access Network gathered in the EpiCenter lobby, the moment symbolized more than a financial investment — it represented new doors opening for students across the region.</p><p>Among those in attendance was SPC alumna and Fuse Scholarship recipient Irene Gongora, who shared her story with the audience.</p><div class="float-right"><img src="Images/Newsroom/Irene-Gongora.jpg" alt="SPC student Irene Gongora" title="PC student Irene Gongora" hspace="10" /> <span>Irene Gongora</span></div><p>“Please know, this scholarship is more than just financial support. It is a reminder that someone believes in me,” said Gongora. “As a first-generation college student, the Fuse Scholarship has helped me successfully transition to USF, where I’m pursuing my dream of becoming a child psychologist. I want to one day help children and families in underserved communities by breaking cycles of generational trauma through evidence-based care.”</p><p>Gongora, who returned to school in her thirties after a 13-year gap, said the scholarship has not only eased financial burdens but has also given her the confidence to keep pushing toward her goals. Her presence at the ceremony showcased the impact of the donation, highlighting exactly why such partnerships matter.</p><p>The gift from Suncoast Credit Union, made through the Community Foundation Tampa Bay, will be matched by Helios Education Foundation. Together, the $500,000 commitment is expected to benefit nearly 50 SPC students who are enrolled in Fuse and working toward completing their bachelor’s degrees at USF.</p><h3>Fuse guarantees admission to select USF programs</h3><p>The <a href="/future-students/degree-options/associate-in-arts-degrees-and-transfer-plans/guaranteed-transfer-programs/fuse" title="Fuse program">Fuse program</a> offers a clear, affordable path to a four-year degree by allowing students to complete their Associate in Arts degree at SPC with guaranteed admission into select USF programs, provided academic requirements are met. Along the way, students receive structured advising, mentorship and financial assistance, reducing barriers that often stand in the way of degree completion.</p><p>“Education changes lives, and partnerships like this make that transformation possible,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “Suncoast Credit Union’s investment in our students removes financial barriers and creates real opportunity. Together, we’re building stronger futures — not just for these students, but for our entire community.”</p><p>Kevin Johnson, President and CEO of Suncoast Credit Union, emphasized the organization’s commitment to educational equity and community growth. “Our mission calls us to improve the communities we serve, and there can be no greater investment than in the education of future citizens,” said Johnson. “This partnership will help secure the futures of promising, young scholars, which in turn strengthens the community we all share.”</p><p>For Fuse students like Gongora, the scholarship helps reduce financial stress and provides a clear path forward.</p><p>“I came to this country as a child and recently gained citizenship,” she shared. “Your support has made it possible for me to pursue higher education in my thirties. This opportunity means everything to me.”</p><p>With the check presentation, Suncoast Credit Union, Helios Education Foundation, SPC, USF and LEAP Tampa Bay reinforced their shared commitment to educational access and community prosperity. Together, they are not only funding scholarships — they are investing in lives, futures and the strength of Pinellas County and the entire Tampa Bay region.</p><p><img src="Images/Newsroom/suncoast-check-group-800.jpg" alt="group of donors" title="Images/Newsroom/suncoast-check-group-800.jpg" width="800" height="484" class="blockImg" /></p>","Date":"2025-08-22T13:27:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Sunocast-jesse-group.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"members of Suncoast Credit Union and SPC Foundation posing with a check that was presented"},"Headline":"$250,000 Suncoast Credit Union Gift Celebrated at SPC Check Presentation","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/suncoast-credit-union-gift-celebrated-at-spc-check-presentation-fueling-fuse-scholarships-for-students","value":{},"title":"$250,000 Suncoast Credit Union Gift Celebrated at SPC Check Presentation","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"The lobby of St. Petersburg College’s (SPC) EpiCenter was filled with gratitude on Tuesday as Suncoast Credit Union presented a $250,000 check to support the Fuse Scholarship Program.","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/Sunocast-jesse-group-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"members of Suncoast Credit Union and SPC Foundation posing with a check that was presented"},"Title":"$250,000 Suncoast Credit Union Gift Celebrated at SPC Check Presentation"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"From left: Amanda Roden, President/Executive Director of FCS Foundation; Dr. Tom Furlong, FCS Foundation board member; Dr. Tonjua Williams, SPC President; Karen Moore, Chair, FCS Foundation board; and Jesse Turtle, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of SPC Foundation","CategoryIds":"1325|1378|2114|1379|2338|1381","Content":"","Date":"2025-08-21T13:27:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/FCS-Check-presentation.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group of donors"},"Headline":"Florida College System Makes Donation to Support Scholarship","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/florida-college-system-makes-donation-to-support-scholarships","value":{},"title":"Florida College System Makes Donation to Support Scholarships","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/FCS-Check-presentation-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group of donors"},"Title":"Florida College System Makes Donation to Support Scholarships"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2530|1379|1326","Content":"","Date":"2025-05-13T13:26:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Rachel-Nohlgren-joins-SPC-foundation-board.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Rachel Nohlgren photo smiling over a blue background and SPC logo"},"Headline":"Rachel Nohlgren Joins SPC Foundation Board, Bringing Expertise in Financial Planning and Community Leadership","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/rachel-nohlgren-joins-spc-foundation-board-bringing-expertise-in-financial-planning-and-community-leadership","value":{},"title":"Rachel Nohlgren Joins SPC Foundation Board, Bringing Expertise in Financial Planning and Community Leadership","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Rachel-Nohlgren-new-member-SPC-foundation-board.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Rachel Nohlgren photo with a blue background and SPC logo"},"Title":"Rachel Nohlgren Joins SPC Foundation Board, Bringing Expertise in Financial Planning and Community Leadership"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"2530|1379|1326","Content":"","Date":"2025-05-12T13:17:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/boykins-and-williams-foundation-article.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Dr Williams and Boykins at a conference smiling at the camera"},"Headline":"Five Questions with… New SPC Foundation Board Chair Johnny Boykins","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/five-questions-with-new-spc-foundation-board-chair-johnny-boykins","value":{},"title":"Five Questions with… New SPC Foundation Board Chair Johnny Boykins","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/boykins-and-williams-5-questions-with-Boykins.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"Dr. Williams and Boykins wearing business attire smiling"},"Title":"Five Questions with… New SPC Foundation Board Chair Johnny Boykins"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1377|1325|1570|1380|1381","Content":"","Date":"2025-04-15T18:11:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Alumni-Golf-Tournament.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"collage of golf images promoting the 17th annual golf tournament"},"Headline":"17th Annual Gibbs Junior College Alumni Association Golfing for Scholars Golf Tournament","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/17th-annual-gibbs-junior-college-alumni-association-golfing-for-scholars-golf-tournament","value":{},"title":"17th Annual Gibbs Junior College Alumni Association Golfing for Scholars Golf Tournament","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Alumni-Golf-tournament-2025.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"collage showing the logo for the golf tournament over a golf ball"},"Title":"17th Annual Gibbs Junior College Alumni Association Golfing for Scholars Golf Tournament"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1378|2114|1379|1570|2338|2210|1381","Content":"<p>As single mom Antoinette Catalano finished sharing her journey from foster care and abuse to overcoming medical injuries to earning her degree at the age of 32, the audience stood and cheered in support.</p><p>On Friday, April 4, more than 350 supporters of St. Petersburg College and scholarship recipients attended the 25th annual St. Petersburg College Foundation Donors and Scholars Luncheon at the Hilton St. Petersburg at Carillon Park.</p><p>The luncheon is a celebration for all SPC donors and supporters to thank them for their involvement. The event provides an opportunity for donors to meet some of the SPC students who have benefited from SPC Foundation scholarships and program funding, and featured moving speeches from Catalano and others, and music from SPC students.</p><p>The Foundation supported the College with almost $5 million in funding in the past year, including more than $2.7 million in scholarships to over 4,000 students. In addition, more than $157,000 was distributed to more than 450 students whose lives were impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton.</p><p>“Your unwavering support of the SPC Hurricane Relief Fund made an extraordinary difference. Your generosity provided immediate assistance to those most affected – our students, faculty and staff – when they needed it most,” said Mark Strickland, SPC’s Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, who emceed the event. “We proudly honor the resilience and accomplishments of our students – many of whom have persevered through immense challenges and competing demands to stay on course and pursue their dreams.”</p><p>Catalano persevered through years of personal and physical challenges before finally earning her associate’s degree, and is now continuing in SPC’s Human Services bachelor’s degree program with aspirations to attend law school.</p><p>“I am especially thankful to the SPC Foundation donors for making the impossible possible,” said Catalano, who endured 10 broken bones and 10 surgeries following a car accident years ago. “I knew I had to go to college because I needed a career that did not involve standing for prolonged periods of time, and I also knew I needed to generate a gainful income to support my son and me. Without scholarships, that would not have been possible.”</p><p>SPC alum Dr. Jackie Munro also shared her journey with the College. Munro is the Vice President of Nursing Systems and Resources at BayCare Health System, which is a longtime SPC partner and donor.</p><p>“My best memories in nursing school [at SPC] included valued conversations with faculty about nursing practice,” said Munro. “They inspired me to continue my education and begin my nursing leadership journey.”</p><p>She thanked SPC faculty for paving the way for student success by uplifting students and inspiring them to think big, using her story as an example of how one program can influence one student and, in turn, help shape the future of a community. SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams gave closing remarks, echoing Catalano’s comments.</p><p>“How we were raised, the mistakes we’ve made, they do not define us, but they make us stronger, and they make us work harder,” said Dr. Williams. “There are so many people who say, ‘I am who I am because of SPC,’ and that’s because of our wonderful faculty, our staff, our board of trustees, our Foundation board and our donors...We are SPC! And we could not do that without you.”</p><p>Thank you to all our SPC donors and supporters! For more photos of the event, check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1339802573925311&type=3" target="_blank" title="facebook photo gallery donors and scholars 2025" rel="noopener">photo album on Facebook</a>.</p>","Date":"2025-04-09T14:11:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/donors-scholars2025.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"portrait of scholarship student Antoinette Catalan standing at a podium addressing donors"},"Headline":"SPC Foundation Hosts 25th Annual Donors and Scholars Appreciation Luncheon","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"spc-newsroom/spc-foundation-hosts-25th-annual-donors-and-scholars-appreciation-luncheon","value":{},"title":"SPC Foundation Hosts 25th Annual Donors and Scholars Appreciation Luncheon","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"SPC Foundation's 25th Annual Donors and Scholars Appreciation Luncheon highlights student triumphs","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Newsroom/donors-scholars2025-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"portrait of scholarship student Antoinette Catalan standing at a podium addressing donors"},"Title":"SPC Foundation Hosts 25th Annual Donors and Scholars Appreciation Luncheon"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"1378|1379|1326","Content":"","Date":"2025-03-10T20:17:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Carroll-laptops.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group shot of Carroll family and students, advisors, deans and professors standing behind a cart full of laptops"},"Headline":"Carroll Family Gives Back to SPC with Laptop Lending Library","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/carroll-family-gives-back-to-spc-with-laptop-lending-library","value":{},"title":"Carroll Family Gives Back to SPC with Laptop Lending Library","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/Carroll-laptops-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"group shot of Carroll family and students, advisors, deans and professors standing behind a cart full of laptops"},"Title":"Carroll Family Gives Back to SPC with Laptop Lending Library"},{"Author":"","Blurb":"Be Part of St. Pete’s Cultural Legacy — Name a Seat and Help Transform This Historic Venue","CategoryIds":"2114|1379|1380|2338","Content":"","Date":"2025-03-08T21:17:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/palladium-interior.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"interior shot of seats at historic Palladium theater"},"Headline":"The Palladium at St. Petersburg College Expands its $10 Million Renovation Campaign with 'Name A Seat' Launch","Link":{"isValid":true,"url":"foundation/foundation-newsroom/10-million-renovation-campaign-for-the-palladium-theater-expands","value":{},"title":"$10 Million Renovation Campaign Expands with 'Name A Seat' Launch at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":true,"src":"/Images/Foundation/Newsroom/palladium-interior-sm.jpg","w":"","h":"","alt":"interior shot of seats at historic Palladium theater"},"Title":"$10 Million Renovation Campaign Expands with 'Name A Seat' Launch at the Palladium at St. Petersburg College"},{"Author":"94","Blurb":"","CategoryIds":"","Content":"","Date":"2023-10-30T13:28:00","FeaturedImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Headline":"","Link":{"isValid":false,"url":"","value":{},"title":"","target":"","isCurrent":false,"attributes":{}},"OpenGraphDescription":"","ThumbnailImage":{"isValid":false,"src":"","w":"","h":"","alt":""},"Title":""}]