Inspiring the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals
Suncoast Credit Union Foundati on, Mashgrape Technologies, Lee County Sheriff, OSC IT and the Rist Family Foundation underwrote FSW’s CyberPatriot Camp for 81 middle and high school students. The summer camp is part of the National Youth Cyber Education program created by the Air and Space Forces Association. Its goal is to inspire STEM and cybersecurity careers through fun, hands-on experiences. The students compete nationally against peers to solve sophisticated cyber simulation challenges.
Expanding Opportunities for Future Nurses
A recent gift from Dave and Cheryl Copham is part of a commitment that expands nursing graduates by 25%. International professional organization CASE recognized their philanthropy in its 2025 VSE benchmarking report, quoting Cheryl: “We started from very humble beginnings, and we understand the experience of nursing students who attend college full time, work to support their families and study in between.” The first Copham nursing cohort graduated in May.
A New Hub for Innovation
FSW’s Frank G. Daveler Entrepreneurship Institute is launching an innovative laboratory center thanks to a second gift of $1.6 million from the Daveler Foundation. Beginning this fall, the first phase of the center will provide hands-on learning to students across multiple disciplines, offering degrees, certifications and digital badges.
A Lasting Commitment to Local Students
Despite massive island devastation that resulted from hurricanes Ian and Milton, Fort Myers Beach Community Foundation has fulfilled its $50,000 commitment to establish an endowed scholarship fund at FSW. The beach foundation’s band of committed volunteers also continues its annual support for Fort Myers Beach and other local FSW students.
Helping Nursing Graduates Cross the Finish Line
Florida SouthWestern donors celebrated more than 100 nursing graduates during the spring pinning ceremony. Several contributors collaborated to accelerate exam prep and licensing for every graduating student. John Svirsky, Jeanne Livingston, Bank of America, NCH Healthcare and Moorings Park Foundation covered all fees for the exam prep course, NCLEX and licensing. Combined giving for the spring project totaled $150,000.