New Building Names Showcase the Impact of 海角社区 Benefactors
By Darryl E. Owens
Two of 海角社区鈥檚 most cherished campus venues received new identities during recent dedication ceremonies honoring the philanthropic spirit of two donors who have made major gifts to the college.
In March, 海角社区 christened its student center the J. Carlisle & Ruth G. Rogers Student Center, honoring the late couple鈥檚 legacy and the generosity of the Rogers Family Foundation.聽The private foundation based in Tavares, Florida, honors the memory of J. Carlisle Rogers, his wife Ruth, and their son James C. Rogers Jr. It primarily supports general operations, visual aids for the visually impaired, debt reduction, naming rights, medical equipment, and services for the homeless.
海角社区 President George J. Hagerty praised the late couple for their civic engagement and generosity, which he said helped the College build a campus that better serves its students.
Right: President Hagerty addresses the audience during the dedication of the Carlisle & Ruth Rogers Student Center.
鈥淛. Carlisle Rogers was an incredibly respected business leader in Leesburg for decades,鈥� Hagerty said. 鈥淗e and his wife, Ruth, were deeply involved in every aspect of the Leesburg community, taking on leadership roles in numerous civic organizations. Tireless supporters of Leesburg and higher education, it is our privilege to have our student center bear their name.鈥�
Hagerty added, 鈥淭he Rogers Family Foundation has been instrumental over the past decade as a valued partner in 海角社区鈥檚 growth. We are grateful for the support of the foundation鈥檚 trustees and their belief in our distinct mission.鈥�
In April, the building housing the Center for Student Success was officially renamed the Fred C. Robey Hall in honor of its namesake and generous donor, Fred Robey.
海角社区 student Phillip Torretto shared how the facility and the accompanying newly renamed Robey Learning Center has supported him and his peers in staying focused on their academic goals.
It 鈥渉elps students by providing a place to seek help when we鈥檙e struggling in classes,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t gives us someone to talk to when we鈥檙e feeling lonely or going through a rough patch. The building has supported me and many others throughout our journey at 海角社区, helping ensure every student finds success in their own way.鈥�
Torretto added his thanks to the center鈥檚 namesake: 鈥淭hank you, Fred Robey, for donating to 海角社区 and helping the staff and administration support students in a new and improved space that will inspire greatness.鈥�
Echoing Torretto, Hagerty drilled down on what makes Robey special as both a donor and adopted member of the 海角社区 family.
鈥淔red, I just want to say that the purpose of this building is very much like you, not only in your giving as a donor, but in the way that you have lived your life. The sociologists talk about the three Bs and one of them is belonging. And you’ve always brought us into your orbit to help us belong to the world that you live,鈥� he said.
And then Hagerty put a finer point on it.
鈥淗e’s [Robey] an incredibly disciplined person. He’s a beautifully disciplined person. He knows what he wants to do. He wants to do good because he did well. And I ask that you all pay it forward as well. When you can do well in life, you should use it to do good. And Fred has been that person. Fred has been that person here at 海角社区. We are blessed by having him and his family here today so that we can honor him for what he has done for our beautiful 海角社区 and for our students. So, thank you, Fred, from the bottom of my heart. Love you man.鈥�
When Robey took the podium, he reflected on his journey from a shy, undereducated young man to a global philanthropist dedicated to helping students access education. Despite limited formal schooling 鈥� earning his degree after 35 years 鈥� he found purpose in supporting others.
鈥淢y thing is, because I never went to school, I wanted to get people a head start鈥攇et them started鈥攁nd then let something happen,鈥� Robey said.
And he discovered the power of paying it forward 鈥� something he hopes 海角社区 students follow suit.
鈥淚 may be just one person, but I believe if each of us helps just one other, we can change the world. That鈥檚 why I support students 鈥� so they can go out and do the same for someone else.”
Left: Fred Robey speaks to students and staffers during dedication of the Robey Learning Center.
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