Recognized for Excellence in Transparency
FSW State College Foundation achieved the 2025 Candid (formerly GuideStar) Platinum Seal, representing the highest level of transparency. By sharing detailed information about its mission, programs, financials, leadership and metrics, FSW once again earned the designation achieved by fewer than 1% of 501c3 organizations.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Opportunity
Fort Myers philanthropists Bert and Joanie Jenks were recently honored at a ceremony on campus recognizing them for a seven-figure planned gift to FSW. Bert, along with his daughter and son-in-law, attended the event, where a moment of silence celebrated Joanie, who passed away in January. Bert, a former teacher, military pilot and real estate investor, and his wife of 74 years designed their scholarship to reward hard work and perseverance. They wish to help “students who were not born brilliant but are hard workers and dedicated to increase their knowledge and climb the ladder of success”.
Selma Daniels Scholarship
Gifts from First Bank and the James E. and Betty J. Huffer Foundation helped fully endow the new Selma Daniels Scholarship. Selma was an African-American teacher who started LaBelle’s only school for black children in the 1930s. FSW professor Brandon Jett and Hendry County residents created the Daniels Scholarship to help train future elementary school teachers committed to remaining in Hendry County communities.
Helping Future Healthcare Professionals Finish Strong
FSW nursing and allied health students enrolled in their final courses will get additional support, thanks to a gift from the Shady Rest Foundation. The donation helps remove financial barriers for students on the brink of transitioning into meaningful healthcare careers. Shady Rest invests in FSW to assist students and address local health care shortages.
Investing in Innovation and Opportunity
In January, FSW hosted a grand opening ceremony to unveil the revamped School of Business and Technology, Hendry Hall, on the Fort Myers campus, featuring the Rist Cyber Security Institute and Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute. The $6 million renovation project that began in May of 2022 includes state-ofthe-art lab space and hybrid classrooms. The Rist Family Foundation and the Frank G. Daveler Foundation committed more than $3 million to support their respective institutes while positively impacting economic growth and student success in the local job market.
Expanding Pathways to Career Success
FSW’s Division of Workforce Education received its fourth $250,000 grant from the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. Schulze funding expands career opportunities and connections, promotes community awareness, and increases enrollment and credentials through student scholarships. The Schulze Family Foundation, established by the Best Buy founder, believes that education and collaboration are integral to success. The foundation’s partnership with FSW boosts student career pathways and helps to ensure graduates have the necessary skills to meet Southwest Florida’s current and future labor.