The Santa Fe College Foundation recently launched a new awards program for community service called the Pillar of Service Awards.
The first awards will be presented at a luncheon on May 23. Nominations are open through Feb. 5.
The awards, which will honor organizations, individuals, students and SF alumni who have made significant impacts on the college and the community, will also raise money for program enhancements and student scholarships.
According to SF, the Pillars of Service will carry on in the spirit of the recently-retired Women of Distinction, the Foundation’s 37- year-old awards program.
“Our Women of Distinction award recipients will always hold a place of honor at Santa Fe College, said Sherry Houston, vice president for advancement and chief philanthropy officer, in a press release. “We will build on their legacy with Pillars of Service.”
Transitioning to the new Pillars of Service will allow SF to expand the nominees it will consider for awards, said Houston.
The Foundation will aim to feature the various efforts that contribute to the success and enrichment of Santa Fe College and the surrounding areas. These awards, whether through innovation, leadership, volunteerism or advocacy, will honor those who exemplify the spirit of dedication and service. SF alumni can be recognized in any of these categories, which exemplifies the lasting impact of SF’s community.
In 2014, the Women of Distinction honorees started raising funds for the first Women of Distinction Scholarship fund. The first award was given for the 2015-16 academic year. The 2022 goal was to complete a fifth scholarship totaling an endowment of $250,000 to support and mentor women in perpetuity. At the 2023 Women of Distinction luncheon, Dr. Paul Broadie II, SF president, announced that the scholarship fund-raising goal had been exceeded with more than $265,000 raised to create scholarships for women in the community.
In 2024, a new $250,000 initiative was launched for state-of-the-art equipment, program enhancements and scholarships and to name the second-floor terrace in Blount Hall at the Blount Center in Gainesville in honor of the Women of Distinction honorees. The initiative includes the funds for a permanent sign listing the individual names of all previous honorees.
The inaugural Pillars of Service awards presentation is slated for 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 23 at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center (1714 SW 34th St.) in Gainesville. Sponsorship and Tickets for the luncheon are available at sfcollege.edu/pillars/luncheon.
To nominate a candidate, visit sfcollege.edu/pillars/nomination.