Sanibel residents’ new scholarship fund focuses on the environment
The Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation recently received a generous gift from Sanibel residents Donald and Sheryl Lesch to establish a scholarship fund that will benefit students who plan careers in environmental science.
The couple donated $15,000 to create the Sheryl and Donald A. Lesch Scholarship Endowed Fund, proceeds of which will provide scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students majoring in environmental studies or environmental science. Preference will be given to employees and family members of J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, the Clinic for the Rehabilitation Of Wildlife (CROW) or Sanibel-Captiva Land and Wildlife Conservation.
Donald Lesch serves as vice chairperson of the FGCU Foundation. He and his wife were motivated to give, he says, because “we realized FGCU is the epicenter of community life, culturally and educationally. The University has done so much for the community. There is not an area the University does not touch.”
“It is a good time to give and we expect that the scholarship will pay many benefits over the years,” he added. “We hope that others will be inspired to join us in doing something for the University, too.”
For more information, call 239-590-1083.