SF Foundation Launches Pillars of Service Awards

Santa Fe College Foundation has introduced 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, 2025.
The awards, while honoring individuals, organizations, students and SF alumni who have made significant impacts on the college and the community, also will raise money for student scholarships and program enhancements.
Pillars of Service will carry on in the spirit of Women of Distinction, the Foundation’s 37- year-old awards program, which was retired this year.
“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. “We will build on their legacy with Pillars of Service.”
Houston said transitioning to Pillars of Service allows the College to expand the nominees it can consider for awards.
The Foundation aims to highlight the wide range of efforts that contribute to the success and enrichment of Santa Fe College and the surrounding areas. Whether through leadership, volunteerism, innovation, or advocacy, these awards will honor those who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication. Notably, alumni can be recognized in any of these categories, further emphasizing the lasting impact of Santa Fe College’s community.
In 2014, the Women of Distinction honorees began raising funds to establish the first Woman 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 luncheon, Dr. Paul Broadie II, College President, announced that the scholarship fund-raising goal had been exceeded. He added that more than $265,000 had been raised to create scholarships for women in our communities.
In 2024, a new $250,000 initiative was launched for program enhancements, state-of-the-art equipment and scholarships and to name the second-floor terrace in Blount Hall at the Blount Center (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 will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center in Gainesville. Sponsorship and Tickets for the luncheon are available at sfcollege.edu/pillars/luncheon.
To nominate a candidate, visit sfcollege.edu/pillars/nomination.