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Tom Dowling
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SunTrust Contributes $150,000 To PCC’s Major Gifts Campaign
08/28/2002: SunTrust Bank, Mid-Florida is donating $150,000 to the Polk Community College Foundation, Inc. for its Partners In Securing Futures Major Gifts Campaign, announced Charles McPherson, Chairman and CEO, SunTrust Bank, Mid-Florida.
“Polk Community College plays a critical role in improving the overall health of our community, so we are extremely pleased to support the growth and expansion of their ongoing efforts,” said McPherson, who also is one of three campaign chairmen.
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SunTrust Bank donated $150,000 to the PCC Foundation. On hand for the announcement were: (from left- standing) Bob Becker, Tri-Chair of the PCC Major Gifts Campaign; PCC President J. Larry Durrence; Charles McPherson, Chairman and CEO of SunTrust Bank, Mid-Florida; (seated) two SunTrust employees who graduated from PCC, Douglas Elmore, Executive Vice President- Retail Banking and Branch Administration; and Sherry Kelley, Assistant Vice president and Branch Manager- Auburndale. |
The Securing Futures Major Gifts Campaign is intended to support four key areas:
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New Initiatives, including a Center For Entrepreneurial Leadership
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New Scholarships, including scholarships that will “travel” with the student to a State University, as well as scholarships for part-time students
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New Technology, including establishment of endowed teaching chair(s) for technology
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New Facilities, including the addition of a third campus in Northeast Polk County
SunTrust's donation is designated to assist a combination of these four areas of need at PCC. Polk Community College seeks to raise $4 to $6 million over the next five years to support these initiatives.
“With this gift, SunTrust has shown its commitment to the people of Polk County and to the vision we have for Polk Community College,” said PCC President J. Larry Durrence. “ With the support of companies like SunTrust, Polk Community College can provide more citizens of Polk County with the skills they will need to be successful in the 21st century,” said Dr. Durrence.
McPherson is well aware of the educational benefits provided by PCC. He is the former chair of the PCC Foundation and continues to serve on the Foundation Board. A banker for 31 years, McPherson is a product of Florida’s community college system, graduating from Chipola Junior College.
Also heading the campaign are two other prominent Polk County businessmen: Bob Becker, retired business executive and Past Chairman of the Lakeland Economic Development Council, and Ernie Pinner, President of CenterState Banks of Florida.
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