FSW Respiratory Care Program Receives $500,000 Donation

Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) Respiratory Care program has received a $500,000 donation from Brian and Kim Rist and the Rist Family Foundation. The funds will be used to provide enhancements to the program including equipment, technology and additional instructional staff. The FSW respiratory care lab and classroom will be named “The Rist Family Foundation Respiratory Laboratory and Classroom.”

To see check presentation, click on the photo below:

About FSW

Giving to our organization means helping our students to garner the power of education and affect the trajectory of the rest of their lives, and truly, the lives of generations to come. An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.  It is an exciting opportunity to invest in the knowledge of future students that will live, work, and grow to be major contributors in our local and global community. Whatever your passion, we have a program or initiative at our college to match business, healthcare, science, humanities, the arts, and athletics all thrive within this gem that is the oldest institute of higher education in our five county area.

  • FSW is ranked as one of the safest colleges in America
  • 1 MISSION.
  • 5 Counties served (Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee).
  • Over 22,000 students attend FSW.
  • Almost 3,000 degrees and certificates conferred last year.
  • FSW has awarded 71,398 degrees and certificates and trained 21,048 workers.
  • The total economic impact of our five-county service area is $435.4 million.
  • Over 1,400 instructional, support, and administrative staff.
  • 5 Bachelor, 22 Associate, and 30 Certificate Programs.
  • Classes at 4 locations or online.
  • The best education value in Southwest Florida, with tuition starting at $3400 per year, in the NATION’s top 10% for most reasonably priced tuition.
  • 70% of FSW students graduate debt free!
  • Safest campus in Florida and #20 in the country.
  • Donor generosity has made it possible for the Foundation to provide over $7.4 million over the past five years.
  • Receiving a two-year degree with FSW enables a student to transfer to ANY public Florida university or college offering a four-year degree.
  • FSW is one of only 13 Florida colleges to offer the Risk Management and Insurance Management certificate designated by the Florida Association of Insurance Agents.
  • Elementary education program is ranked #1 among all state college teacher prep programs.
  • Respiratory care program is ranked in the nation’s top 15%.
  • Radiologic program is ranked in the nation’s top 15%.
  • Athletic programs have established their reputation of excellence in four short years.
  • Fine Arts is alive and well on our campus with the nationally renowned Bob Rauschenberg Gallery, Black Box Theatre, orchestra, and bands.

Whatever your passion as a donor, we have a program to match. Contact our Foundation office at 239-489-9210 or Foundation@fsw.edu. We would love to build a meaningful partnership with you!

FSW Students

FSW Students

FSW Students