IRSC Foundation - Meet our Donors

Meet our Donors

Mike and Mimi Brown

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Dedicated in 2012, the Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship bears the name of Mike and Mimi Brown in recognition of their outstanding support of education at IRSC. This very generous couple requested that the new building be named in honor of all past, current, and present members of the Brown family.

Michael and Mimi Brown are natives of Florida and longtime residents of Fort Pierce. He is a retired banking executive with Harbor Federal and National City and Mimi is a longtime educator and gifted musician. Their relationship with Indian River State College, which has spanned more than 25 years, has made it possible for many deserving students to attain their educational goals.

The Browns are strong supporters of many initiatives designed to advance opportunities for IRSC students throughout the Treasure Coast. In addition to their support of the new BCIE, the Browns in 2007 served as one of eight Honorary Commissioners for Public Safety, a dedicated group who stepped forward to provide the funds needed to equip and enhance the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex. Their support helped to make this complex a reality, providing a tremendous resource for students preparing for careers in law enforcement, fire science, and human services.

When approached to support IRSC’s newest building, both Michael and Mimi readily stepped forward in order to offer many new educational opportunities to students. Students enrolled in classes at the BCIE will receive training for cutting-edge careers in nanotechnology, alternative energies, sustainable building design, architecture, science, engineering and business.

Margaret Wisniewski

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Margaret Wisniewski’s relationship with Indian River State College began in 2001 and has evolved into a strong partnership to benefit students. She and her late husband Stan were seasonal residents of Fort Pierce for many years, residing in their lovely condominium apartment. In recent months, Mrs. Wisniewski made the decision to return to New York full time.

Fortunately for IRSC students, several years ago, this generous woman had arranged a planned gift with the IRSC Foundation. She decided to eventually gift the proceeds from the sale of her Florida home to the College, and worked with her estate attorney to complete the paperwork. After all of the arrangements were finalized, she continued to live in her home during her seasonal visits.

When she decided to permanently leave the state, it was very easy to deed the property to IRSC. This resulted in tax savings for her and a very generous donation to support an endowed student scholarship.

Establishing planned gifts through the IRSC Foundation was second nature to Mrs. Wisniewski. Leading up to this outstanding gift, she had established two additional planned gifts. These charitable gift annuities, with a higher interest rate than her bank offered, provided her with a reliable source of income and an income tax deduction.

Having devoted her career life to helping people to file their annual income tax statements, Mrs. Wisniewski was delighted with the tax benefits she received through these planned gifts.

In recognition of her strong support of education, IRSC has permanently named a classroom in the new Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship in honor of the Wisniewskis. Planned, or deferred, gifts make it possible for people to make a difference today for a gift that will be made in the future.

Alan and Katherine Bernstein
Students preparing for careers in law enforcement or fire science are training in one of the most unique facilities in the region, thanks to Alan and Katherine Bernstein.

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Alan and Katherine Bernstein are helping to train law enforcement and fire professionals through their support of a multi-functional training resource.

The Alan B. and Katherine A. Bernstein Tactical Training Building is located at the Treasure Coast Public Safety Training Complex. This adaptable facility is unique in its ability to be configured in dozens of training scenarios. Current public safety students in law enforcement and fire safety are introduced to numerous settings due to the building’s moveable walls. A grid system permits students to view the training sessions and provide feedback. Thanks to the generous support of Alan and Katherine Bernstein, students now have the opportunity to learn how to best protect themselves and others in an emergency.

David and Ursula Blackburn
David and Ursula Blackburn are making a difference in the lives of many residents of Fort Pierce’s northwest community.

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In addition to providing the lead gift to support the construction of the Blackburn Educational Building, the Blackburns also sponsored the Ursula K. Blackburn Language Laboratory to assist residents in development of their English language and computer skills.

David and Ursula K. Blackburn are making a difference in the lives of many residents of Fort Pierce’s northwest community. IRSC’s new Blackburn Educational Building, a 23,000 square foot facility which was dedicated in 2008, will provide convenient neighborhood access to over 20 college programs, career and technical training, and free adult education. Supporting the revitalization of Fort Pierce, the Blackburn Educational Building will also serve as a community center for meetings, after-school activities and community events.

Although the Blackburns are part-time residents of Fort Pierce, their commitment to bringing educational resources to the community is year round.

Frank "Sonny” and Betty Williamson
Members of two Okeechobee pioneer families, Sonny and Betty Williamson work tirelessly to improve their community through their involvement with local organizations.

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Dedicated in 2008, the Williamson Conference and Education Center bears the name of Frank "Sonny” and Betty C. Williamson in recognition of their outstanding support of education at IRSC. Constructed entirely with private contributions, this exceptional educational center brings a wealth of resources to students and residents of Okeechobee.

Okeechobee resident Frank "Sonny” Williamson devoted the first 25 years of his career to Williamson Cattle, building it into one of the state's largest beef cattle producers. The company now operates citrus groves in Florida and catfish farms in Alabama.

Sonny is among Florida’s most progressive farmers, and is the recipient of the 2003 Florida Farmer of the Year Award and was inducted in the Florida Agriculture Hall of Fame in 2005. His love for the environment resulted in Sonny receiving the 2003 Agricultural Environmental Leadership Award.

Also very active, Betty Williamson is the President of the Okeechobee Historical Society and the author of a book on the history of Okeechobee. In addition, she and Sonny are founding members of IRSC’s Lifelong Learning Institute and are active supporters of the Institute’s Distinguished Lecture Series. They are also strong ambassadors of the Take Stock in Children Program, a passion they have passed to their children.