0:06 - Mort O'Sullivan, Chair, UWF Board of Trustees I was a student back here in the 70s and I didn't know it then but that brand-new
0:10 - University tucked away in Florida's panhandle had a big spirit and "I'll show you" attitude.
0:16 - The University of West Florida ended up playing a critical role
0:18 - in my life when I needed it the most. That deep level of caring concern for
0:23 - students I've never forgotten. I'll owe the university for the rest of my life.
0:30 - I support UWF because I remember where I came from and making this a
0:35 - better place for those who come after me is what guides my heart. Since my days on
0:40 - campus more than 77,000 people have come after me and I have watched the seeds
0:45 - that were planted in 1967 grow. I've seen a sea change, a university transformed by
0:51 - an incredible culture of optimism of growth and taking risks. For 50 years the
0:56 - University of West Florida has been shaped by thousands of selfless
1:00 - forward-thinking donors, each with their own "why."
1:04 - You've opened doors to students and ensured the brightest minds infuse our
1:08 - region with talent. You've helped drive economic development and foster
1:11 - partnerships in the community. You've supported progressive academic programs
1:16 - with resources that have made UWF stand out and become a leader in STEM
1:21 - education. You've ensured that UWF learns and preserves our history. You
1:25 - helped us improve the health of our region. And you join us in the journey to a stadium full
1:30 - of people feeling the rush of a game-winning touchdown.
1:35 - Howard Reddy, Interim V.P. for University Advancement Since the beginning of the 50th anniversary capital campaign, in excess of $63 million
1:41 - dollars has been raised by more than 20,000 donors. This includes $15 million
1:47 - dollars through planned gifts and $18 million dollars in scholarships that
1:51 - will change the lives of our students. During this capital campaign we have
1:56 - seen some of the largest gifts in the institution's history, including the
2:01 - first two named colleges and gifts like the American Dream scholarship. Because
2:07 - of donors like you the University has built a solid foundation over the last
2:12 - 50 years and we are prepared to grow even more for the next 50 years and beyond.
2:20 - Chloe Stibolt, Pensacola Pledge Scholar UWF really stood apart on my college search because it was really close to
2:24 - home. I live in the area and I've always lived in the area and I love it. We've
2:27 - seen so much growth and development within like the last five years and it's
2:31 - an amazing place to stay and to see the development like continue. I feel a huge
2:36 - responsibility receiving this scholarship to continue to give back to
2:40 - my community and to continue to work with children and students and allow
2:45 - them to stay here and love our community and keep it growing. I really am so
2:50 - thankful to be a student at UWF.
3:01 - Dr. Usha Kundu, UWF Donor We have lived in Pensacola for 37 years and always wanted to do something for
3:08 - the community. Health and education is our top priority
3:15 - we chose UWF as a way to do good for the community. We are the product of
3:23 - education. It is the reason that we are here and able to make this gift for
3:30 - which we are very happy. We hope the college graduates will bring changes for
3:38 - betterment of people's life. I hope they make a profound impact on the community
3:46 - by providing health care and education, changing the community around them
3:55 - forever. Make UWF proud.
4:03 - Dr. Martha Saunders, UWF President Thank you for your commitment to our University.
4:07 - UWF's first 50 years have been a tremendous success. With your support we look forward to a
4:13 - brighter future as a spirited community of learners
4:17 - launching the next generation of big thinkers who will change the world.