Chipola College Launches “Next Great Million” Fundraising Campaign

Chipola College has officially launched the public phase of its Next Great Million Fundraising Campaign with exciting momentum, thanks to a transformational gift from Chipola College alumnus Mr. Joe Leitch (Class of 1967).

The new campaign builds on the overwhelming success of Chipola’s first $1 million fundraising effort, which kicked off in September 2024. At that launch, Legacy Society members Thomas Gould, Robert “Buck” Miller, Charlie Reid, and Robert Trammell gave a combined $560,000 to set the pace. Soon after, major contributions from Mr. Jesse Smallwood and General James Hart, along with gifts from alumni, supporters, staff, and even students, pushed Chipola beyond its $1 million goal early this year.

Now, the college looks to continue that momentum with the Next Great Million campaign to expand scholarship opportunities, with the ultimate goal of ensuring that every student in Chipola’s five-county service district has access to a college education.

To kick off this new phase, Mr. Joe Leitch has committed a gift of $705,195, establishing an endowment with the Chipola College Foundation to provide lasting scholarship support in perpetuity.

“Mr. Leitch’s extraordinary gift not only creates life-changing opportunities for students but also reflects his deep commitment to the mission and future of Chipola College,” said Dr. Sarah Clemmons, President of Chipola College. “This endowment will impact generations to come.”  Scholarships funded by the endowment will provide up to ten students annually with awards of approximately $3,500 each. Eligible recipients must be residents of Chipola College’s five-county service district, hold a minimum 3.0 high school GPA, and be recent graduates entering as freshmen.

Mr. Leitch, a proud Chipola alumnus and dedicated member of the Legacy Society Board of Advisors, shared his inspiration for the gift:

“It is truly an honor to give back to a community and an institution that means so much to me. This is something I have thought about doing since I worked as Director of Sports Publicity and shared an office with Coach Johnson, when Chipola finished the 1965-66 season ranked 4th in the nation.  As a member of the Chipola College Legacy Society Board of Advisors, I am proud to establish a $705,195 endowment with the Chipola College Foundation. This gift is meant to strengthen educational opportunities for local students and ensure scholarships will be available in perpetuity.” Leitch shares, “My hope is that this scholarship fund will open doors, ease financial burdens, and inspire young people in our region to pursue their education with confidence. It is my belief that by investing in students, we are investing in the future of our community as a whole.”

Through his leadership, generosity, and vision, Mr. Leitch is leaving a lasting legacy at Chipola College. His commitment underscores the spirit of the Next Great Million campaign: changing lives, creating futures, and investing in greatness.

To make a gift or to learn more, visit www.Chipola.edu/alumni/legacy or to meet with Chipola’s Fundraising Representative, contact Dr. Arlene Davis at 850-718-2380 or davisa@chipola.edu.

Pictured from left: Kevan Miles (class of 1985), Chipola’s Fundraising Representative Dr. Arlene Davis, General Jim Hart (class of 1956), Chipola supporter Jesse Smallwood, Chipola President Dr. Sarah Clemmons, Legacy Society President Charlie Reed (class of 1966), Robert Trammell (class of 1966), David Melvin (class of 1981) and Robert “Buck” Miller (class of 1966).