Daytona State to honor Jim Gardner, past board chair, at gala event

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Aug. 31, 2012) – The Daytona State College Foundation will honor longtime college supporter Jim Gardner during “The Evening in Tuscany” gala event set for Friday, Sept. 21, at Daytona State’s Hosseini Center, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach.
 
Past president of ITT-Community Development Corp. and former member and chair of the Daytona State College District Board of Trustees, Jim Gardner distinguished himself as the original planner and developer of Palm Coast, Fla. He was also instrumental with ITT’s donation of 100 acres to the college to start the Flagler/Palm Coast campus and with obtaining the funds from ITT for the amphitheater.
 
“We’re so very proud to claim Jim Gardner as one of our own,” says President Carol W. Eaton. “His ardent support for higher education, and Daytona State in particular, has enriched untold lives and contributed to our region’s economic fortitude. With the state’s allocation of capital dollars for a much-needed new building on our Flagler/Palm Coast campus, we’re reminded of what an important role he played in the establishment of that campus.”
 
A Mississippi native, Gardner completed his U.S. Air Force pilot training in 1966 after receiving his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University in 1965. Gardner has been a member of Rotary International, Committee of 100, Chamber of Commerce, Flagler County Land Acquisition Committee, director of the United Way of Flagler County and chairman of the Memorial Health System executive board. Gardner was also chairman of the State of Florida’s Economic Development Advisory Council, a member of the Enterprise Florida Board, director of the University of Florida’s Whitney Labs at Marineland, as well as a past chairman of the Florida Chamber of Commerce Economic Affairs Committee. To top it all off, Gardner served on the Board of Daytona State College for two terms.
 
“The Evening in Tuscany” begins at 6:30 p.m. with guests enjoying wine tasting and gourmet chef stations featuring European cuisine prepared by award-winning chefs from Daytona State College’s Hospitality and Culinary Management program.
 
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the Daytona State College Foundation, providing funding for student scholarships and campus growth initiatives. Individual seats are priced at $125 and table sponsorships are available. For more information, visit www.DaytonaState.edu/Foundation, call (386) 506-3110, or email foundation@DaytonaState.edu.
 
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