The Gulf Coast State College Foundation is honored to announce the creation of the Ivie Burch Scholarship Endowment, made possible through a generous $20,000 gift from Mr. William C. Cramer Jr. This endowment serves as a lasting tribute to Mr. Ivie Burch, a respected leader and friend whose influence helped shape the foundation and future of Gulf Coast State College.
Mr. Burch’s legacy is deeply woven into the history of the College. His commitment to education, vision for growth, and dedication to the community left an indelible mark on students, faculty, and Bay County as a whole.
“The endowment established by Mr. Bill Cramer in memory of Mr. Ivie Burch is a powerful tribute to a man whose generous heart and spirit helped shape the very foundation of Gulf Coast State College,” Ashlin Glatthar, Executive Director of the Gulf Coast State College Foundation, shared. “Mr. Burch was part of the fabric of this institution, and his vision has positioned us for lasting success. It is only fitting that his name will forever be honored through an endowment that continues to create pathways for students to build brighter futures right here in Bay County.”
In recognition of the profound impact both men have had on the college and community, the scholarship endowment will help deserving students pursue their education at GCSC, providing financial support and honoring a legacy of commitment.
“Ivie Burch was a quiet, steady force who changed the course of higher education in our community. In 1966, he helped lead the merger of Rosenwald Junior College—an all-Black institution—into Gulf Coast Junior College, opening the door to students of every race. Two decades later, I had the privilege of working with him and President Bob McSpadden on the Title III endowment effort that raised $4 million for the College Foundation. Ivie’s skill, integrity, and vision turned that opportunity into lasting access for generations of students,” shared Mr. Cramer. “I am pleased to create this scholarship in his memory so that first-in-family students can continue the legacy of opportunity that he created.”
Mr. Cramer, who has served as Chair of the GCSC District Board of Trustees and as a board member of the GCSC Foundation, continues to demonstrate his deep belief in education, community, and opportunity. Through this scholarship, his pledge will support students for years to come, ensuring that Mr. Burch’s memory and values endure in the lives of young scholars.
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