UWF donor initiates fundraising challenge to support construction program
Local contractor and UWF supporter Nathan Green recently initiated a $35,000 fundraising challenge, where he has committed to match every dollar donated, up to $35,000, toward the University of West Florida’s Community Outreach Research and Education Initiative (C.O.R.E.). The C.O.R.E. initiative was developed to create opportunities for the UWF Building Construction Program to improve construction education throughout the Pensacola area.
Green, a long time supporter of the UWF Building Construction Program, is founder and CEO of The Green-Simmons Company, Inc., a local general contracting firm that focuses primarily on commercial construction projects for local, state and federal governmental agencies. Over the past several years, Green has supported the UWF Building Construction Program in a variety of ways including establishing a scholarship endowment for students, providing employment opportunities, hiring interns, serving on various committees and chairing the advisory council. The funds raised during Green’s challenge will go toward the advancement of the proposed renovation of Building 80, the home of the C.O.R.E Initiative.
Once completed, the C.O.R.E. initiative will promote energy efficient construction through the innovative display of cutting-edge technology, as well as through community outreach and participation. Features of the multi-faceted building will include a soils laboratory, an energy efficiency demonstration and exhibition area, a construction yard and an outdoor amphitheater. Each of these building elements will enhance the UWF Building Construction Program’s curriculum and assist the program with its goal of being accredited with the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). More than 35 organizations have donated to the initiative thus far, with Gulf Power and Webb Electric of Florida, Inc. being two of the largest contributors.
“The C.O.R.E. Initiative is good for the local community, the construction industry and the Building Construction Program,” said Green. “To me, the project defines what it means to have a true public-private partnership. The University has generously provided the building and the research and educational component but state funds just aren’t there to pay for the renovations. While many partners have come forward, we are still short of the funds required for completion. Hopefully our challenge will entice other partners to take note and step forward. It’s not often that supporters can double the impact of their financial support and I wanted to provide that opportunity.”
For additional information regarding the fundraising challenge and the C.O.R.E. initiative, visit uwf.edu/core.
