News Article

Late Musician Offers One Last Song with $110,000 Scholarship Gift

Nov 17, 2017

During Wayne Rinkenback’s life, music was his love and passion. He coupled that with his desire to serve God. One of his last wishes was to inspire music students to continue pursuing their dreams. This led to a $110,000 scholarship gift to Florida SouthWestern State College’s music program students.

“He was a gifted & talented musician; he wanted to serve God through his music. He played the violin, guitar and keyboard, but his favorite instrument was the violin. He also had a beautiful singing voice & enjoyed writing songs. His favorite types of music were contemporary Christian and the classic Christian gospel hymns,” said Missie Eshbaugh, executor of Rinkenback’s estate. “Wayne and I served together on a Christian evangelistic street ministry team for 10 years, and this is where he shined in playing music for the Lord.”

Rinkenback studied music at Juilliard School in New York City.

“He also taught music to students in his home music studio,” Eshbaugh added. “Wayne would encourage your music students to use their musical abilities & talents to help & serve others.”

Joe Kramp, senior director of development, FSW Foundation, said this generous gift will impact students for generations.

“We are delighted to have Wayne Rinkenback as a member of FSW’s Legacy Society,” he said. “This scholarship is a great example of how a planning team can work together to complete a gift that will be transformative for FSW music students.”

The FSW Legacy Society was formally launched on October 19 in the Rush Auditorium on the Thomas Edison Campus of FSW.

“My hope is that his gift will provide a college education, in his memory, to many music students,” said Eshbaugh.

For more information about the FSW Legacy Society, call (239) 489-9210 or email: foundation@fsw.edu

Last Updated: November 17, 2017