News Article

FSW Charlotte Keystone Society Honors John David McQueen

Nov 12, 2014

The Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) Keystone Society recently named John David McQueen its 2014 Honoree during a ceremony held in his honor.

Each year the society – formed eight years ago with the intention of supporting a fine art gallery on the FSW Charlotte Campus – recognizes a local honoree for his or her dedicated support of the college and surrounding community.

McQueen was honored during a reception in Charlotte’s Keystone Gallery where a painting by local artist Larry Hudson was unveiled in his honor.

Over the years McQueen has served the community in many capacities, including on the Charlotte County School Board, as director of the Murdock Savings Bank in Port Charlotte, a member of the Charlotte County USDA Agricultural & Stabilization Committee, and serving four years on the former Edison Community College Board of Trustees representing the Charlotte Campus from year to year.

While serving on the Edison Community College Board of Trustees he was contacted by former State Representative Vernon Peeples to help construct a new campus in Charlotte County. McQueen personally worked with contractors on the job – costing approximately $100 million – and during the reception he was proud to say it opened in 1997 with no cost overruns.

“I’m happy to say we built this campus with no change orders that weren’t paid for in the project, no costs overrun, and you see what we’ve got. I’m so proud of the campus and I’m proud of Vernon and his ability to bring this campus to reality, and that’s what it’s all about,” said McQueen.

McQueen received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Economics from Stetson University and Florida State University, respectively, before working as an economics instructor at Edison Junior College, the predecessor to FSW. 

Since the 1970s McQueen has overseen a cattle ranch along with his wife Sharon and their five children. He loves to travel with his wife and the couple considers themselves “semi-retired,” enjoying quality time with 13 grandchildren.

About the FSW Foundation:

Since 1966, the Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation has been enhancing the quality of higher education for FSW students and faculty. The FSW Foundation has awarded $1.2 million for student scholarships and $700,000 in academic support to the college annually since 2011. The Foundation’s focus is attracting and managing private contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses and other private foundations to support the college’s mission. To learn more about the non-profit, tax-exempt FSW Foundation or to make a gift, visit foundation.fsw.edu

About FSW:

Florida SouthWestern State College is Southwest Florida’s largest and one of the most affordable institutions of higher education. Annually serving more than 22,000 students globally, FSW offers a variety of nationally-ranked, career-focused academic programs with two- and four-year degrees, and professional certifications. Students are also active in clubs and programs catered to their interests. FSW will debut its intercollegiate athletics program in the fall 2015. Visit www.FSW.edu for more information.

Last Updated: November 12, 2014