JOHN R WOOD CREATES COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO COMMEMORATE 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Naples, FL: (February 27, 2018) Local real estate business John R. Wood Properties, Inc. today announced Southwest Florida’s most experienced real estate company will donate $60,000 to provide college scholarships to deserving students.

According to president Phil Wood, the firm will donate $30,000 to Hodges University and $30,000 to Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) to create twelve $5,000 college scholarships to commemorate the company’s 60th anniversary. 

“Most of the graduates from both the college and university stay in Southwest Florida, so our family firm is making an investment in our local students, in turn, an investment in the future prosperity of our community,” says Wood. “Hodges and FSW students will be identified as fitting with our philanthropic goals and business values,” he adds.

At Hodges University, a new scholarship titled the John R. Wood Properties Scholarship will be awarded at the sole discretion of Hodges and the amount of each scholarship will be $5,000. According to Hodges University President John D. Meyer, eligibility requirements include 1) must be a junior or senior enrolled in a baccalaureate program; 2) must have a GPA of at least 3.0; 3) must demonstrate financial need; 4) must enroll as a full-time (12 credit hours) student for the Summer 2018 term; 5) must submit 500-word essay describing how scholarship will assist student with attainment of personal and professional goals; 6) must participate in an interview with scholarship committee, and 7) must attend appreciation luncheon.

At FSW, the $30,000 gift will be used for unrestricted scholarships to students according to Susan DeSantis, Executive Director of FSW Foundation. Students must successfully meet the requirements of the FSW of Academic Promise policy and maintain a 2.0 GPA. The current agreed upon gift will be split six ways for six FSW students demonstrating financial need.

“This gift is very forward thinking on the part of John R Wood Properties; it shows they are committed to their values and investment in the southwest Florida community,” said Ms. DeSantis. “Most FSW graduates earn their degrees without any student debt, in part thanks to generous contributions of companies like John R. Wood,” she adds. “We know that this gift will positively impact the lives of our students, and the community, for generations to come,” she continues.

Scholarship applications detailing eligibility requirements for each of scholarship can be accessed at www.hodges.edu and www.FSW.edu. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply. Applications must be filled out completely, include all required support materials and must be received on or before the deadline of March 31, 2018. Incomplete scholarship applications cannot be considered and will not be returned. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the luncheon in early April 2018.

About John R. Wood Properties
Established in 1958 by John and Wanda Wood, John R. Wood Properties is the oldest real estate brokerage company in Southwest Florida, locally and globally, with 60 years of industry and market expertise.   The Wood firm spans 14 offices serving Marco Island, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Ave Maria, and Sanibel/Captiva Islands, with over 500 agents and staff across Southwest Florida.  For more information about John R. Wood Properties, visit  www.johnrwood.com.

About Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation
The Florida SouthWestern State College Foundation currently has professionally managed endowments and other funds approaching $45 million that allow it to support the work of the college. The Foundation provides nearly $2M annually in student scholarships and investments in programs, technology and facilities to benefit the nearly 22,000 students the college serves each year. To underwrite and expand the mission of the college the FSW Foundation continues to attract contributions from individuals, organizations, businesses and private foundations. As a non-profit, 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt organization with 50 years of successful operating experience, the FSW Foundation offers the opportunity to establish endowed funds which ensure the impact of a donor’s contribution lives on in perpetuity. More information is available online at FSW.edu/foundation; email: foundation@fsw.edu and by calling (239) 489-9201.

About Hodges University
Hodges University, a private, nonprofit institution of higher learning, was founded in Naples, Florida in 1990 as International College. In 2007, International College was renamed Hodges University in honor of benefactors Earl and Thelma Hodges. Though serving students of all ages, Hodges University has garnered recognition for developing a curriculum that is uniquely catered to adults who balance their academic obligations while maintaining full-time jobs and family responsibilities. The university has campuses in Naples and Fort Myers and is comprised by the Fisher School of Technology, Johnson School of Business, Nichols School of Professional Studies, School of Health Sciences and School of Liberal Studies. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. To learn more about Hodges University, visit www.hodges.edu/