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Sandy Sansing is pictured with PSC President Ed Meadows and some 2023 Sansing Scholars – Shayla Adams, Cynthia Izzo, Michaela Rosales, Constance Stewart, Keary White and Gary Welch. Also pictured are Andrea Krieger, PSC Foundation’s Executive Director of Institutional Development; Mikenzie Francis, Director of Foundation Scholarships; and Yari Deliz-Treto, Coordinator of Foundation Scholarships and Financial Aid.
Michaela Rosales has a clear plan for her life. The Pensacola State College graduate earned an associate degree in August and re-enrolled in the College’s Electrocardiograph Technician Program this fall.
The Sansing Scholars Endowed Scholarship helped make it possible.
“I’m on track to graduate again in May 2024, and am so thankful for the scholarship,” said the Anchorage, Alaska, native, who plans to earn a doctorate in pediatric pathology eventually. “I want to work at Ochsner’s or the CDC (federal Centers for Disease Control).”
Rosales is one of 18 Pensacola State students to receive scholarships funded by Sandy Sansing in 2023. Other scholarship recipients are Shayla Adams, Akiyah Alden, Tamala Allen, Breanna Denmark, Megan Doan, Tyric Flowers, Siena Foster, Hannah Green, Cynthia Izzo, Ariana Murray, Precious Moorer, Pamela Perceval, Brenden Shipman, Constance Stewart, Kori Vertz, Gary Welch and Keary White. Based on financial need, the scholarships may cover tuition, fees and books. Recipients must have a 2.0 grade point average and be U.S. citizens or resident aliens.
During a pizza lunch held Sept. 28, Sansing, a 1967 Pensacola Junior College graduate, told the recipients the scholarships were an investment into their futures.
“I’ve been blessed. I want you to be blessed. I’m a Christian and believe in giving back,” said Sansing, offering life advice to the students during the informal meetup. “I believe in Luke 12:48, ‘To whom much is given, much is required.’”
Sansing, who owns and co-owns automotive dealerships in Florida and Alabama, said his first job as a Jitney Jungle bag boy taught him that “everyone is important!” He relayed how he used to earn $15 to $20 in tips on weekends and deposited that money in the bank each Monday.
“In life, there will be challenges, but ‘Go for it!” Take risks, not on stupid things. There will be failure – you’re not going to win every time,” explained Sansing, who encouraged the students to treasure their education.
“Apply yourself in school! Make the best grades that you can.”
Since Sansing’s first scholarship was established at the College in 2002, more than 1,180 Pensacola State students have become Sansing Scholars and received a share of half a million dollars, said Pensacola State President Ed Meadows. Sansing’s endowed scholarship will continue to help PSC students into perpetuity.
“I can’t thank Sandy enough for all he does for Pensacola State and our students,” Meadows said. “Not only does he offer financial support to our students, but he also provides life advice to them.”
Welch, an engineering technology and advanced manufacturing double major, was thankful for the scholarship.
“It helps to have this additional funding for my education,” said Welch, a work-study student in the PSC Student Engagement and Leadership Office.
“It is gratifying to know that my hard work is not going unnoticed and that people are willing to help me reach my goals. I hope Mr. Sansing knows what a difference he is making in my life and the lives of other PSC students.”
Other scholarship recipients agreed with Welch.
“Were it not for this scholarship, I would not be here,” said Izzo, who is studying to become a registered nurse.
White, an English teacher with the Department of Juvenile Justice, is also enrolled in the nursing program.
“It’s never too late to follow your dreams,” she added.