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Keiser University, Florida’s second largest, private, not-for-profit University, on Wednesday presented Volunteer Florida and the Bay Law Enforcement Assistance Fund with donations raised by students, staff, and faculty over the past six months at several Florida campus locations. Two checks totaling $50,000 were awarded to the two organizations to provide for the welfare and support of the victims, the first responders, and the communities, which were devastated by Hurricane Michael last Fall.This destructive hurricane, now confirmed as a Category 5 storm when it made landfall on October 10, 2018, devastated the panhandle of Florida. To this day, the road to recovery for residents, businesses, and first responders continues.
The check ceremony took place at the Florida Capitol building before an audience of lawmakers, victims, and first responders. Speakers included Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University; Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis; CEO & President of Volunteer Florida, Clay Ingram; and Sheriff Tommy Ford of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
“As Florida’s families struggle to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael, Keiser University’s statewide campuses are proud to stand with CFO Patronis, Volunteer Florida, the Bay County Sheriff’s office and our dedicated lawmakers from Bay County, and around the state to provide these funds to aid in the recovery and shine a light on the ongoing need of those affected,” said Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Keiser University.
“Volunteer Florida is thankful for Keiser University’s generous donation to the Florida Disaster Fund,” said Clay Ingram, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “It’s been over six months since Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle, but the people there are just starting to rebuild their homes, schools and businesses. Support like this proves that they haven’t been forgotten and their recovery is still a priority.”
In the wake of the storm, the Bay County Sheriff’s Office has had its hands full. Most of their officers lost their homes while looting and other crimes have risen in the aftermath.
“I am so deeply grateful for this generous gift from Keiser University to the men and women of the Bay County Sheriff’s Office who suffered tremendous loss due to Hurricane Michael,” said Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford. “As a result of this donation, our deputies will be able to continue their mission—keeping their community safe. Thank you, Keiser University, for your thoughtful support for the Bay County Sheriff’s Office, and other victims of Hurricane Michael.”
About Keiser University
Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 3,800 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as, online learning, and two international sites.
Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels.
For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit www.keiseruniversity.edu.
Photo Caption (L to R): Ryan Reis, Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Advancement; Michael Moench, Dean of Keiser University’s Center for Culinary Arts; Brandon Barnhill, President of Keiser University Tampa; Maria Mead, President, Keiser University Tallahassee; Bay County Sheriff Tommy Gregory; Belinda Keiser, Vice Chancellor of Community Relations and Student Advancement; Jimmy Patronis, Florida Chief Financial Officer; Clay Ingram, President & CEO of Volunteer Florida; David Champlin, President of Keiser University Orlando.
Contact Info:
Name: Kelli Lane
Email: Send Email
Organization: Keiser University
Address: 1700 Halstead Blvd, Bldg 2, Tallahassee, FL 32309
Phone: (954) 235-0331
Website: http://www.KeiserUniversity.edu
Release ID: 509455
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