Palm Beach State College welcomed more than 300 guests for a celebratory night of dinner and dancing at its inaugural Emerald Torch Awards Gala held Saturday, Nov. 11 in the Lake Worth campus Fire Academy Complex. The sold-out event was hosted by mistress of ceremonies and CBS 12 news anchor Luli Ortiz to recognize the college’s 90th anniversary, raise funds for student scholarships, and honor alumni and other leaders who strengthen the community.
“It’s hard to believe that 90 years ago, 41 students were in that very first class to come to Palm Beach Junior College. At that time, it was during the Great Depression, and the community thought we needed to come together and find a way to create opportunities for the businesses within our region, but also to create hope for our students,” PBSC President Ava L. Parker said. “I’m proud to say that 90 years later, we are an institution that serves almost 40,000 students on five different campuses, nationally recognized and seen as an important force within our state, as well as being the largest institution of higher education in Palm Beach County.”
The signature award of the night was presented to Lois Pope, one of America’s leading philanthropists, who received the Emerald Torch Lifetime Achievement Award, for her unprecedented commitment to military veterans and disabled veterans, education, and serving the needs of children and families in Palm Beach County.
“I love the motto of this school. ‘Knowledge is forever.’ I believe that’s true. Knowledge truly is forever,” said Pope, who initiated the discussions that led to the creation of the American Veterans Disabled for Life Memorial, to which she and her foundations donated more than $10 million. “I’ve been very fortunate in my life to be able to contribute to the causes I so passionately believe in. But my first major commitment from years past is the one that is so fitting to talk about on this day — honoring our disabled veterans.”
Also in attendance was PBSC District Board of Trustees Chair Patrice Bishop and board members Carolyn Williams, Melissa Friedman-Levine and Wendy Sartory Link, along with Student Trustee Daniel Gil-Sanchez. The Foundation for Palm Beach State College Chair Ricky Wade was also there along with other foundation board members. David Rutherford, vice president of institutional advancement and CEO of the foundation, said the evening was overflowing with PBSC pride.
Emerald Torch Awards were given to three alumni and one community leader. The presentations opened with an award to PBSC alumnus Clarence Anthony, CEO and executive director of the National League of Cities. Other honorees included Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw; Fatima Cajas, a meteorologist with TelevisaUnivision; and Brad Peacock, a retired professional baseball pitcher and World Series champion.
At the end, Parker led guests in a special toast to the 90th anniversary. Proceeds from the event supported the Foundation for Palm Beach State College and its initiatives to fund student scholarships and support.
