News Article

Building Dedication Scheduled at Edison College Charlotte Campus

Feb 12, 2008

The public is invited to attend the dedication Friday, February 22 at 1 p.m. of the Dr. Hugo D. and Wallie Spatz Hall at the Charlotte Campus of Edison College, 26300 Airport Road, Punta Gorda. Mrs. Spatz recently donated a gift of $500,000 to the Edison College Foundation to benefit Charlotte campus students and in gratitude, the College's District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to rename the administrative/ student services building for Dr. and Mrs. Spatz.

Along with State matching dollars, the Charlotte Campus endowment will increase by nearly $850,000. Two programs will be established to ensure local students achieve success in college. The Dr. Hugo D. and Wallie Spatz Endowed Chair of Academic Advancement will provide a $750,000 endowment to support instructional enhancements at the campus, and the Dr. Hugo D. and Wallie Spatz Endowed Scholarship Fund will provide a scholarship endowment of $100,000 for local students.

Mrs. Spatz, who will turn 92 on the day of the dedication, began her 60 year career as a freehand silhouette artist in California during World War II cutting out black and white shapes of servicemen at the Hollywood Canteen [where she met her husband], the USO and while visiting California military hospitals. Following the war, she regularly appeared at schools, department stores and large gatherings entertaining the public with her unique talent. Her subjects have included politicians, movie stars and people in all walks of life in the United States and many other countries that she and her husband visited throughout their life together. Some of her work will be on display at the dedication in the building lobby.

While in high school, Dr. Spatz was chosen to represent his home state of Ohio in a 1929 nationwide Thomas Edison Scholarship contest for gifted science students. Among the items he received was a Radio/Phonograph Combination Cabinet which Mrs. Spatz has donated to the Charlotte Campus along with other memorabilia. During the war, Dr. Spatz, an optician, modified the gun sight lenses on damaged tanks to help get them back on the front lines. After returning to Ohio, he was in the optical business for over 35 years.

When the couple retired to Charlotte County in the early 80's, Mrs. Spatz combined her distinctive talent with her love of humanitarian activities by cutting out silhouettes for local residents and donating her fees to local causes. Dr. Spatz was a dedicated civic activist in the area until his death in 2000.

In celebration of Mrs. Sptaz' birthday, cake and refreshments will be served at a reception immediately following the ceremony. Please call 637-5604 for more information.

Last Updated: February 12, 2008