Gifts That Keep Giving for Life
Florida Gulf Coast University hasn’t raised tuition or fees in 7 years, yet the need for scholarship aid is greater than ever.
4,274 Students who applied for scholarships in 2020-21
1,396 Students who received FGCU Foundation scholarships so far this year
$3,808,380 Awarded so far this year
$2,155 Average awarded per scholarship this year
38% Students whose financial needs are not met
52% Students who graduate from FGCU with no debt
Javon Daniels was among those fortunate enough to be a recipient of a scholarship by Donna and John Schubert.
With exceptional grades and extensive involvement in good causes, sophomore Rebecca Paul was awarded the Jubilee Scholarship.
The John & Fran Smith Scholarship along with the Alice and Dean Fjelstul College of
Education Scholarship allowed non-traditional student Jennifer Thrower to return to school.
Donors: Donna and John Schubert
It was 15 years ago when a woman from The Boys and Girls Club gave a talk in Sanibel about how scholarships helped students stay out of trouble. It wasn’t always the top students who needed them, she said. Sometimes it was the ones who weren’t the highest achievers who might fall through the cracks if they didn’t get help.
That made sense to John and Donna Schubert, who were in the audience that day. They decided to commit to helping one student a year attend FGCU. Eventually, they had a student in each class, freshman to senior.
“We’re probably in the neighborhood of 20 students now, maybe more,” says Donna Schubert. “All but three have graduated. We try to stay in touch with them, meet with the families at graduation.”
They’ve even helped a few go on to graduate school.
John Schubert said, “We feel like we are doing something that is very helpful not only for the particular students, but for the community.”
They also think it’s a matter of second chances.
“Some students in high school maybe aren’t as studious then they realize they cut themselves short on what they might be able to do and come to regret it,” Donna Schubert said. “Then people come in and show that one mistake doesn’t define your life. You can go on and become more.”
Celebrating Our Generous Community of Scholarship Sponsors
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Grand Sponsor