Pictured: State College of Florida Foundation Executive Director and Vice President of Advancement Cassandra Holmes, Dr. Bill Jervey and SCF President Tommy Gregory. Photo courtesy of SCF.

On Thursday, May 28, State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) and the SCF Foundation hosted a special celebration to recognize a transformational $2 million gift from Dr. Bill Jervey, supporting the future of SCF Venice Collegiate School.

Dr. Jervey donated $2 million to support the Collegiate Schools' programming and help build a permanent home for the Venice campus. The ceremony included SCF staff members, its Foundation and students, including those from the SCF Venice Collegiate School, as well as representatives from Willis Smith Construction and Sweet Sparkman Architects.

During the event, President Gregory highlighted the lasting impact of Jervey's philanthropy throughout Venice and beyond. “Your transformational gift inspired Representative Buchanan and our legislative delegation to secure an additional $3.5 million for the Collegiate School effort,” he said. “It really takes that kind of joint effort, but it's only possible with people like you leading the way. On behalf of this college and this entire community, thank you again.”

Jervey reflected on the role education has played throughout his life and why supporting the Collegiate School, which provides accelerated dual enrollment opportunities for those enrolled, is especially meaningful to him.

“I was so pleased with the State College of Florida and the Collegiate School program because it is the epitome of excellence,” Jervey said. “Doing more than you have to and striving for excellence has always been one of my goals in life, and I hope all of the students here will take advantage of the opportunities this school provides.”

To honor and recognize his extraordinary generosity, SCF administrators presented Jervey with a statue titled Manatees and Friends and a personally signed thank-you poster featuring a rendering of the future school that will bear his name: Dr. William H. Jervey, Jr. SCF Collegiate School.

To learn more about SCF's Venice Collegiate School, visit scfcs.scf.edu/venice/

Pictured: State College of Florida Foundation Executive Director and Vice President of Advancement Cassandra Holmes, Dr. Bill Jervey and SCF President Tommy Gregory. Photo courtesy of SCF.