The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation has awarded The University
of Tampa $125,000 to fund scholarships for deserving Latin students.
The award was made on Friday, Feb. 1 at the Krewe of Sant’ Yago Mayor’s
Proclamation Luncheon at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.
“The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation has never been willing to
rest comfortably when deserving students in need are abundant,” said
Dr. O. Rex Damron, president of the foundation. “Perhaps our successes
in offering higher education scholarships to students, who otherwise
may not have this opportunity, will create a broader community-based
philanthropic response to a pervasive national concern.”
In
the past seven years, Sant’ Yago has granted educational institutions
more than $800,000 in the form of scholarships, endowments and matching
funds.
The Foundation already has endowed
three scholarships at UT, and also has awarded scholarships and
endowments to Hillsborough Community College and the University of
South Florida.
Dr. Ronald L. Vaughn, president of UT, said
he was pleased to continue the relationship with Sant’ Yago and support
their efforts in making college possible for Hispanic students.
“UT has a long history of being accessible to minority students, and to
Hispanic students in particular,” Vaughn said. “This will help us to
continue that mission.”
The Sant’ Yago Education Foundation
was created 12 years ago to fund academically deserving Latin students
with financial need. The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago of Tampa
was established in 1970 to preserve the Latin culture and now boasts
275 members. The Krewe’s mission is dedication to itself and the
continued improvement of life and cultural progress.