新澳门六合彩开奖记录

新澳门六合彩开奖记录 Remembers Benefactor and Friend Bernie Simpkins

新澳门六合彩开奖记录 paused this week to remember a benefactor and good friend: Bernie Simpkins.

Simpkins was among the college鈥檚 strongest supporters for decades, serving on the Board of Trustees when 新澳门六合彩开奖记录 was Brevard Community College and creating programs to benefit business students.

鈥淏ernie was the embodiment of the 新澳门六合彩开奖记录 spirit and what we aspire to teach students about the importance of knowledge, setting goals high and giving back to the community where they live,鈥� said college President Dr. Jim Richey.

鈥淗e was passionate about education and enjoyed meeting with students and encouraging them in their careers, especially young entrepreneurs who he saw as essential to our country鈥檚 future.

鈥淗e changed lives for the better and left behind a rich and empowering legacy at 新澳门六合彩开奖记录 and in Brevard County that will resonate for many years to come.鈥�

In 2000, Simpkins donated $250,000 to start the Simpkins Speaker Series that brings some of the nation鈥檚 most innovative entrepreneurs and business leaders to the college to share their stories of success.

He also provided scholarships to promising business students and in 2007 donated $1 million to start an Entrepreneurial Business program to teach the next generation of business owners.

The Simpkins Fine Arts Center, which is home to the college鈥檚 Performing and Visual Arts programs on the Cocoa Campus, is named in his honor.

Among those at the college who knew Simpkins well is Jack Parker, Vice President of External Affairs, who called Simpkins 鈥渁 kind, caring and compassionate man who put the needs of others above his own.

鈥淗e loved mentoring students and teaching them how to succeed in business and in life. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people benefited from his advice. There will never be another like him.鈥�

That sentiment was echoed during his memorial service at Grace United Methodist Church on Merritt Island where members of the 新澳门六合彩开奖记录 community performed moving musical tributes.

鈥淵ou felt good after being with Bernie. He was someone who made you feel better about yourself,鈥� said Rev. Scott Smith, pastor of First United Methodist of Ormond  Beach. 鈥淭he joy he brought you made you realize I鈥檓 a better person because I鈥檝e spent time with Bernie. That鈥檚 a great gift.鈥�

Due to the COVID pandemic, so family and friends on the Space Coast and in Ormond Beach, where he spent time with his daughter Jill, could watch online.

Richey summed up the feelings of many at 新澳门六合彩开奖记录 this way: 鈥淏ernie was among the very best friends the college ever had. I鈥檓 going to miss him and so are many others. We will always be grateful for his contributions and he has a special place in our hearts.鈥�