Education & Philanthropy
Latest coverage, analysis and business news from Tampa Bay Business and Wealth.
The Florida Polytechnic University Presidential Search Committee has announced the names of five finalists that will be presented to the University’s Board of Trustees for consideration. Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, is set to leave his post at the end of the spring semester. The five individuals being presented include: The … Read more
By Mary Pat King, CEO, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Elaine Feaster seized all the opportunities she could as a Girl Scout. On March 8, International Women’s Day, she shared the impact of Girl Scouts on her life, as a featured speaker, during the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s Women of Distinction Awards … Read more
The University of South Florida’s Trafficking in Persons Risk to Resilience Research Lab will create added resources to combat human trafficking and aid victims, after receiving nearly $3 million from the 2024 federal spending package. The funds will go towards the development of a statewide database to assist law enforcement in human trafficking investigations and … Read more
Dr. Randy K. Avent, president of Florida Polytechnic University, has been selected as the 2024-2025 recipient of the Fulbright-Schuman Innovation Award. The award is presented, annually, to one American scholar with the purpose of supporting research at the intersection of policy and technology that can improve the understanding of issues important to the United States … Read more
Brian and Renee Murphy have made a personal donation of $1.5 million to Jesuit High School, in Tampa, following a major fundraising success at the school’s annual Gaudiosa Gala. In February, the Murphys were Grand Gaudiosa Underwriters, helping Jesuit’s annual Gaudiosa gala raise $1.25 million for the school’s financial aid program. The Murphy’s son, Parker, … Read more
Tom and Mary James have made a landmark donation of $2 million to Parc Center for Disabilities, the largest private donation ever received by the organization. The donation has been earmarked for the groundbreaking of the new Children’s Services Center, a new facility being constructed to house services supporting children’s cognitive and emotional development. Beyond … Read more
The University of South Florida received a $2.7 million gift, which will go toward student scholarships. The funds, from late Palm Harbor resident and former NASA engineer Tom Tiedemann, will be used to support students in the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and the School of Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Sciences, which is … Read more
Ryan Companies US has completed Feeding Tampa Bay’s new headquarters, a 210,000-square-foot industrial, distribution and office facility dedicated to supplying meals for millions of families facing food insecurity in West Central Florida. The headquarters is expected to open in May and will allow Feeding Tampa Bay to provide more meals and additional services that will … Read more
On March 19, St. Petersburg College’s President Dr. Tonjua Williams will launch a new podcast — “Standing in the Gap” — featuring thought leaders who foster positive change in education and beyond. The podcast will provide individuals from diverse backgrounds, including corporate executives, students, faculty and community leaders, the opportunity to come together and explore … Read more
Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County held its 3rd annual CEO Build, with more than 40 business leaders in Tampa Bay, working on constructing two homes. James Nozar, founder and chief executive officer of real estate company East+Main, served as this year’s event chair. Some of the other participating business leaders included: • Jerome Ryans, … Read more
