CF Named as Recipient of $1 Million Bequest

The College of Central Florida Foundation has been named the recipient of a $1 million bequest from Cory Pool, chair of the CF District Board of Trustees. The future gift has been designated to support the CF Foundation STEPS — Scholarships Taking Elementary Promising Students to CF — and Promise for the Future Fund.

“Cory’s dedication to CF is apparent in his commitment to serving the college, professionalism as chairman and also the financial support he has given the college during and prior to being appointed as college trustee,” said Dr. James Harvey, interim CF president.

Pool became a member of the CF Foundation Board of Directors in 2008 and soon after was appointed the CF District Board of Trustees. He is the vice president/chief financial officer of Jenkins Auto Group. Pool feels strongly about giving back to the community where he grew up. He is the namesake of a STEPS scholarship at South Ocala Elementary School, which he attended.

“The STEPS program offers a unique opportunity for young people to pursue their dreams of a higher education,” Pool said. “STEPS is a tremendous way for our youth to better themselves, and it is my hope that this gift will encourage others to participate in supporting the mission of the College of Central Florida.”

STEPS to CF is a scholarship program that awards a promising fifth-grade student from a donor-adopted elementary school a $4,000 scholarship to CF upon successful graduation from high school. Pool's gift is designed to first ensure the financial health of the STEPS program for generations to come and may also be allocated to the college’s Promise for the Future Fund, which provides essential resources to start or expand instructional programs at the college. 

The CF Foundation is a 501(c)(3) dedicated to supporting the mission of the College of Central Florida. For more information on how to plan a gift or bequest supporting the college contact Lisa Lombardo at 352-873-5808 or Lisa.Lombardo@cf.edu.