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Supporters braved the rain last Thursday to celebrate Pensacola State College’s successful “I Am PSC” campaign. Guests entered a lively, celebratory atmosphere filled with the enticing aromas of culinary creations by PSC’s Molly McGuire School of Culinary Arts students, quickly finding familiar faces and rekindling connections.
Donors and volunteers reminisced about cherished memories at their beloved institution. Former College Trustee and Foundation Board Member John O’Connor reflected on his time with PSC, saying, “When I became involved with Pensacola State, I realized the value of the College in the community.” During his tenure, Pensacola Junior College transitioned to a state college—a shift he described as transformative for the community. O’Connor emphasized his pride in being part of the organization.
While attendees came from diverse backgrounds and eras, they shared a common bond: a connection to the College that embraced them for the things that made them unique. Dr. Rameca Leary, Director of Community and Special Initiatives, captured this sentiment when she said, “I am PSC because I love our students and believe that, as a community, we support one another in love (in word and deed) by financially supporting our well-deserving PSC students.”
Throughout the evening, the College’s evolution was showcased through a scrolling 75-year timeline highlighting its community involvement. Attendees applauded the contributions of leaders and donors who have supported PSC’s growth through volunteerism and financial investments, which have expanded programs and workforce development initiatives.
Proudly wearing his “I Am PSC” campaign shirt, PSC President Ed Meadows emphasized the collective achievement of raising funds to provide over 300 scholarships for students in more than 100 programs. Dr. Meadows acknowledged the importance of adapting programs to meet workforce needs and expressed gratitude to supporters, saying, “This is the night to celebrate those who have contributed to provide support for our College. We really appreciate you.”
The “I Am PSC” campaign succeeded both as a fundraiser and as a unifying community event. It raised critical funds for scholarships, directly benefiting students by easing financial burdens. Moreover, the event fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose, reconnecting longtime supporters with the College and welcoming new ones into the fold.
Andrea Krieger echoed President Meadows’ sentiments, stating, “It’s the people in this room that make what we do so special and make it resonate in the community.” She revealed that the campaign resulted in three new endowed scholarships and infused $10,000 each into seven existing scholarships, thanks to generous donors and matching funds from the Fund for Excellence (FFE). Additionally, the Universal Scholarships received a significant boost, with $21,000 matched by FFE. In total, $137,598 was raised, exceeding the initial goal of $75,000 in the campaign’s inaugural year.
The night concluded with smiles and a sense of fulfillment, as attendees celebrated the promise of education for deserving students. The success of the campaign underscored the power of community, leaving everyone proud to proclaim, “We are PSC!”