Donor recognition

Gwen Azama-Edwards, Bachelor's in Psychology and '83 Master of Arts in Counseling, shares that becoming valedictorian of her class helped her earn a scholarship at Stetson University. She says Stetson prepares students to be "critical thinkers and lovers of all people." Gwen gives back to Stetson so other students can have the same opportunity she did. "Education is so important, so we need to do what can to help others. My mother used to say, 'It is the one thing that no one can take away from you.'" With a smile, Gwen adds, "I am happy to be able to give."

Gwen Azama-Edwards '71, '83

Dr. Charles Gillespie is a Renaissance man: a scientist who worked for NASA, an artist, a writer, a former jockey and all-around lover of education and the arts. When he reached out to Stetson University, he wanted to offer financial support, but more so he wanted to hear from students to better understand the challenges they face. Staff members helped make that connection. Dr. Gillespie was able to spend some time with art major Mario in Sampson Hall and share lunch together on campus. The visit helped him see firsthand the needs of students and the impact a gift to Stetson University can make. As he would say, "support is great, and connecting with a student is even better."

Dr. Charles Gillespie

"Besties" Tina Wolf-Wiley and Janice Bartolotta both graduated Stetson University with the class of 1972. During Homecoming, one of their highlights was being able to visit their old dormitory, Chaudoin Hall, built in 1892, before renovations to the building began. "I believe Stetson is a place you fall in love with at first sight," says Tina. Asked about Stetson’s strategic initiative to update student housing, Jan says that is what makes Stetson great. "They hold to tradition, but keep innovating." Both alumnae also shared how proud they are of the university’s commitment to improving the student first-year experience. They hope future generations of Stetson students will be blessed with similar close, everlasting friendships that they found at the university.

Tina Wolf-Wiley '72 & Janice Bartolotta '72

"Russ Bausch graduated from both Stetson University in 1979, and then Stetson Law School in Gulfport in 1982. He and his wife, Merrill, are strong supporters of Stetson University's Ukrainian Initiative, which helps sponsor students and faculty displaced by Russia's war against Ukraine. Donating to the fund also allowed the Bausch’s an opportunity to attend a special panel discussion on the war featuring professors from the Stetson’s Prussian, Russia and Eastern European (SPREES) program, and a meet-and-greet with the four Ukrainian students. "I want to again personally thank you all for the Values Day segment yesterday on Ukraine! The discussion was informative, enlightening and in some portions, emotional," Russ wrote in an email. Although, he admits the campus has grown since he attended, and he says, "I still feel that intimate spirit even now and that is one thing that I hope never changes at Stetson."

Russ Bausch '79, '82

Betty Drees Johnson woke one Saturday morning to learn a man named Far Tuttle from Stetson University was waiting in their living room to talk with her. "We had no phone, so he had driven over to say Stetson was offering me a full-tuition scholarship based on a test I'd taken earlier. That morning changed my life forever. Giving to Stetson is my way of saying thanks and paying it forward."

Betty Drees Johnson