White Family Endowed Scholarship
Ken ’87 and Rebecca ’87 White are two of the most passionate people on the planet — passionate about their family, their alma mater, and their business.
The Whites, along with their daughter, Samantha ’14, established the White Family Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis with first preference given to students majoring in social work, and second preference given to students majoring in any of the humanities. Creating the scholarship was important to the Whites because it was a tangible way to give back to Saint Leo and support future students.
Having graduated from Saint Leo nearly 30 years ago, the Whites believe that Saint Leo prepared them for the success they have attained. Ken is a retired PGA golf professional and general management of Santa Maria Country Club in California. Rebecca has experience in the food and beverage industry and enjoys managing a diverse staff. Today, the Whites own and operate Howard’s Restaurant, a bustling eating establishment in Englewood, FL (Sarasota County).
The Whites met at Saint Leo in the fall of 1983 when both enrolled as incoming freshmen. They both desired to be in a warmer climate (both are New England natives) at an institution that offered small class sizes and individual attention.
“We shared freshman math and started talking at a freshman dance,” said Ken. “Both of us were business majors, and we immersed ourselves in numerous activities. We had a lot in common and dated all through college.”
“Ken and I are very proud of the many accomplishments of Saint Leo University,” said Rebecca. “It has flourished where many private colleges and universities have failed. We believe in Saint Leo’s student-centered mission. [Saint Leo wants] all students to believe in themselves and reach their God-given potential. That is something every parents wants for their child.”
When it came time for Samantha to choose a college, Saint Leo wasn’t originally on her radar. After five days of college touring, Samantha admitted to her mom that she still had not found one that seemed like the right fit. Rebecca asked if she would be open to visiting her and her husband’s alma mater, Saint Leo University. Samantha was very impressed with Saint Leo. She said her visit stood out because of the openness of the faculty and students, and she and her mother left feeling that all of their questions were answered. “It was a very open environment and very helpful for Sammy in making her decision,” recalled Rebecca.
Many students struggle at universities today because they are not sure if they are in the right field and no one is there to guide them. "We were so pleased that Saint Leo give students individual attention and guidance so they can find a field that is a good fit, " said Ken.
Impact
It’s More Than a Motto
Saint Leo’s motto is “You will love the person you become here.” Ken ’87 and Rebecca ’87 White have witnessed that first-hand, both in their own lives and in their daughter’s, Samantha ’14. “From our collective, invaluable experiences at Saint Leo University, we have been successful in our business, and our daughter has reached a level of self-esteem in her profession.” They have channeled part of their passion into supporting their alma mater with the establishment of the White Family Endowed Scholarship. Through their shining example, they hopefully will encourage other Saint Leo University alumni to do the same.