Donor Profiles
Faculty Contribute Resources to Florida Tech

Randall Alford, Gordon Patterson and Richard Turner are among more than two dozen faculty members who have donated to the university for 15 or more consecutive years.

Members of Florida Tech’s faculty contribute greatly to the university’s success, not only through their work, but through financial donations. More than two dozen faculty members have donated to the university for 15 or more consecutive years. Three of those long-term supporters shared their thoughts on why they continue to give.

Randy Alford, associate provost for graduate and international programs, is excited about Florida Tech and wants to do what he can to ensure its continued success. “We’re getting better every year,” Alford said. “When I retire, I would love to look back and say I was a part of Florida Tech’s success.”

Alford joined Florida Tech in 1983 as an associate professor in humanities and communication and has donated to the university for the past 20 years. He donates to the library, scholarships and various student causes.

Gordon Patterson, humanities and communication, voiced similar thoughts. “Donating to the university is an act of friendship for the future. Many of our students will be shapers of that future.” Patterson also donates to scholarships and the library. He’s been doing this for 15 years.

One reason Richard Turner, biological sciences, donates financial resources to the university is to recognize outstanding people who have made Florida Tech what it is today.

“The strength of the university is conveyed through its people,” said Turner who has taught biology at Florida Tech for more than three decades. “I appreciate all those who have maintained and built the university.”

Turner donates primarily to the library and the Dr. Kerry Bruce Clark Endowed Scholarship in Marine Biology. “Kerry was an incredible character,” Turner said. “He was one of the founders of Florida Tech’s marine biology program.” Donating to the Kerry Clark scholarship is Turner’s way of recognizing his former colleague’s contributions. Turner has donated to this scholarship and the library for the past 20 years.