A Bit More History
The Beginning of the Legacy
In 1965, Donna Stover Morris had a dream. She dreamed that one day she would graduate from Florida State University and become a Teacher. There was only one problem. She couldn’t afford to live on campus. Fortunately for Donna, she wasn’t the only dreamer in town. The women of the Education Foundation of the Florida Federation of Business & Professional Women’s (BPW) Clubs had big, big thoughts. They set out to build at least one scholarship house on the campus of every university in Florida to provide housing for female university students just like Donna.
In 1965, along with 20 other young women, Donna would live in the first BPW scholarship house in Tallahassee.
All these years later, Donna still relishes her Scholarship house experience.
“Living in that cooperative environment was an education unto itself, invaluable in lessons learned only in communal living, working, sharing and studying.”
Donna Stover
Building didn’t stop with Tallahassee!
BPW UCF
The second BPW/FL scholarship house was located on the campus of the University of Central Florida in Orlando. It housed 14 students and one resident advisor. It was dedicated in 1986 at a cost of $235,000. The 10-year note was paid in full in just four years.
After over 27 years in operation, the BPW UCF Scholarship House was taken out of service in 2014, as it was determined the costs to update the building to current code was cost prohibitive simultaneous with a change in the master development plan at the university, which excluded on-campus small-footprint housing.
BPW FAU
Scholarship House number three on the campus at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, was dedicated in 1996 with building costs of $360,000. It houses 17 students. Even though construction costs had tripled since the FSU house was built, the Education Foundation paid off the note prior to the 10-year plan.
What does senior Tysheika Shaw have to say about her experience living in a Foundation Scholarship House?
“We learn how to communicate effectively and listen to criticism constructively. BPW has taught me how to be a leader among leaders. Each and every woman in the BPW House contributes to the House in all sorts of different ways, and when we pull together, we create a dynamic force that is embraced by our university, the community, and most importantly, ‘US’, the women of the Florida Atlantic University BPW Scholarship House.”
Tysheika Shaw
THIS LITTLE PIGGY (BANK) BUILT THE HOUSES
BPW Members Stepped Up – Individually and as an Organization
The members of BPW/FL began the funding process by collecting their spare change in piggy banks. The piggy banks, having been fed all year long by donations, walkathons, auctions, etc. were and continue to be brought to our Annual Conference. This annual collection became known as “Hawg Callin”.
The Piggy Banks not only provided total funding for the construction of the original houses, but furnished the buildings as well. After the mortgage is paid off, the houses are then overseen by the university or, in the case of FSU, by the Southern Scholarship Foundation. Each house holds 15 to 17 young women who contribute a small amount to cover meals and operating expenses. Where we do not have actual houses, the Foundation awards scholarships on a per-semester basis, in amounts which approximate the cost of housing.
Since the opening of our first scholarship house, continuing through the housing scholarships at St. Petersburg College, our Foundation has provided over 3,400 semesters of housing for female students! Your contribution will help us to continue this legacy of helping women to achieve their goals and dreams.
CONTINUE THE LEGACY
Education Foundation BPW/FL welcomes donations. All future donations will support grants or scholarships to women Florida residents. Our Pathway to Economic Stability Grant provides continued support for women enrolled in any one of the 28 Florida State College certificate programs (2-6 terms). Qualified women will receive an award each term until graduation.
Will YOU support our Mission?