News Article

FGCU and Edison Receive Multi-Million Dollar Legacy Gift

Apr 15, 2008

Students for generations to come will be afforded the opportunity to complete degrees at Edison College and Florida Gulf Coast University [FGCU] thanks to a multi-million dollar planned gift from Marjorie H. Kelly, a long time resident of Clewiston.

Born in Concord, Georgia in 1908, Kelly completed her schooling and moved to West Palm Beach where she met her future husband, E.E. "Pop" Kelly. They moved to Clewiston and purchased the Clewiston Motor Company in 1933. Together, they grew the company to become a leader in Florida's construction industry as the south Florida distributor for Caterpillar and other leading equipment manufacturers.

After "Pop" passed away in 1956, the Kelly family established the Kelly Foundation to provide scholarships for undergraduate students in Southwest Florida, and grant funding for many other charitable organizations. Marjorie was a member of the Clewiston Garden Club, Business and Professional Women, First Baptist Church, and a financial supporter of both FGCU and Edison College. She passed away in early 2007.

FGCU and Edison College will each receive $4.3 million dollars over a five year period for scholarships. The funds, eligible for matching dollars from the State of Florida, will endow "The Pop and Marj Kelly Scholarship Fund" at both institutions.

"Mrs. Kelly supported her causes without any expectations of receiving anything in return. She was elegant and gracious, and simply wanted to help the community she loved so much. This marvelous gift will do just that," said Kenneth P. Walker, Edison College District President.

FGCU President William G. Bradshaw said, "When fully funded, the Pop and Marj Kelly Scholarship Fund will be the largest scholarship endowment at FGCU. Our thanks go to this lovely couple who cared very much about Southwest Florida and its University."

Information on planned giving is available through offices of the Edison College Foundation, Inc. at [239] 489-9210 and the Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Inc. at [239] 590-1077.

Last Updated: April 15, 2008