PBA is honored to receive gifts made in memory of individuals who have passed away. Donors may make a gift in memory at any time, using the “Give Now” links below. For information on other ways to give in memory, visit the “How to Give” link to the left. Please be sure to note that this gift is made in memory and to list the name of who you wish to honor. Some donors wish to mention PBA in their obituary. A sample of suggested language is below:
It was (NAME)’s wish that donations be made to Palm Beach Atlantic University in lieu of flowers. To give securely online, please visit wakeikyo.com/giving. To give over the phone, please contact Lisa Aaron, Gift Services Manager, at 561.803.2007.
We are deeply grateful for donors who wish to support PBA in this special way and would like to keep the family updated on gifts made in memory. Please connect with our Development team at 561.803.2777 or development@wakeikyo.com
Amy Barker Memorial Scholarship
The Barker family established Amy Barker Memorial Scholarship in loving memory of Amy who passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2006, at age 43. The Amy Barker Memorial Scholarship supports students who go above and beyond the required number of Workship hours needed each semester. Amy graduated from Palm Beach Gardens High School in 1980, and then from the Florida Atlantic University. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in West Palm Beach. Amy worked as an accountant for several local businesses, and she was also a member of the U.S. Naval Reserve for over 14 years, having served as a Second-Class Petty Officer, Photographer’s Mate with the Patrol Squadron Six Two (VP-62). You can contribute to the Amy Barker Memorial Scholarship fund on the giving link below.
Matthew E. Bennett and Benjamin Siegel Memorial Scholarship
Matthew E. Bennett and Benjamin Siegel graduated from different universities with different majors. Matt, a 2009 PBA Music major and gifted guitar player, was a worshipper. Ben, a 2011 Rowan University Communication student, had his sights set on the mission field. Both loved the Lord and went on to be with Him after tragic, sudden deaths. Along with their love for God, another thing these young men had in common was the close friendship of their mothers, Dr. Stephanie Bennett and Rev. Maria Siegel, who were college roommates and close friends for 50 years. This scholarship is awarded to a rising Sophomore, Junior, or Senior Communication major who exhibits the same heart for the Lord and desire to see His Kingdom flourish.
Paul C. Bremer Endowed Scholarship
Paul C. Bremer served the Palm Beach community for more than 50 years. Bremer grew up and received his education in Palm Beach County, going on to work as a Certified Public Accountant for many years. He was very involved in many civic and charitable activities as an officer and board member. He also worked with several non-profit organizations, providing his expertise and financial support. Paul had a special relationship with Palm Beach Atlantic University, hiring accounting interns and helping students find employment locally. To honor his memory, Paul’s friends established the Paul C. Bremer Endowed Scholarship for Accounting Majors. This scholarship provides financial assistance to PBA students, also known as the “Bremer Scholars,” who maintain the highest ethical standards of the accounting profession and pursue accounting in the public or private sectors as a career.
Jennifer Criss Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jennifer Criss graduated from PBA with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1995. She was involved with the yearbook staff, Steering Committee, and with the children’s ministry at Northwood Baptist Church. After graduation, she worked for In Touch Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia as a computer trainer and as the Administrative Assistant to the Director until she became ill with a rare skin disease in July of 1999. She battled the disease until her passing on June 1, 2000, at the age of 26. Jennifer’s grandfather, Carl Storey, was a member of the Board of Trustees at Palm Beach Atlantic College, and her mother, Carlene Stewart established this scholarship to honor Jennifer’s memory.
Isabella Rae Greene Memorial Scholarship
John P. Greene—life trustee at Palm Beach Atlantic University—and his wife, Mimi Greene, generously established the Isabella Rae Greene Memorial Nursing Scholarship in memory of their beloved granddaughter Isabella Rae Greene. Bella was studying to be a nurse when she passed away at the age of 24 due to a rare blood disorder. She was a natural, genuine caregiver, which made her an outstanding nursing student. Bella’s family remembers her for her sense of adventure, infectious personality, kind heart, & warm smile that touched everyone she met. Through the Isabella Rae Greene Memorial Nursing Scholarship, the Greenes aim to support students who, like Bella, aspire to make a positive impact on the world by offering compassionate care as nurses.
Barbara Mancini Kelly Memorial Scholarship
Barbara Mancini Kelly joined PBA’s Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy in November 2003 as a founding administrator and faculty member for the program. She served as Assistant Dean of Students and Academic Affairs from 2003 until 2010. From 2010 to 2016, Professor Kelly transitioned out of administration and back into a full-time faculty role. During this time, she developed the service-learning elective that is known today as Coaching for Health and Wellness. In 2016 through 2021, Professor Kelly received the title of Senior Associate Professor where she remained engaged in the pharmacy program. In 2022, Professor Kelly made the decision to retire, and she was given the prestigious title of Associate Professor Emerita of Pharmacy Practice. While she assumed various roles in the pharmacy program, she will be best remembered as an advisor, mentor, colleague, and sister in Christ. In recognition of her service, in honor of her impact, and in accordance with her wishes, the Kelly family has established the Barbara Mancini Kelly Endowed Scholarship. Gifts made in Professor Kelly’s honor will directly assist first-generation college students enrolled in the Pharmacy program at PBA.
Bill Maslar Scholarship
Alumni, Joseph Thomas ’03 and Christine Wine Thomas ’02, established this Scholarship on February 3, 2016, to recognize students who work to support themselves while attending Palm Beach Atlantic University. Joe worked throughout college to support himself—a formative experience that provided a solid foundation for his career. The scholarship is intended to give a PBA student the opportunity to have a similar experience. In 2017, the Thomases renamed the scholarship the Bill Maslar Scholarship in honor of Chrissie’s grandfather, who was the son of Slovakian immigrants and an embodiment of the American dream. Bill started multiple businesses, and his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit inspired Chrissie and Joe to take chances and dream big. This scholarship honors his memory by helping other self-driven young men and women pay for their education.
Jerms McGraw Second Chance Scholarship
In memory of U.S. Marine Corps. 2nd Lt. Jeremiah McGraw ’09 ORM, the Palm Beach Atlantic University Alumni Association established the Jenns McGraw Second Chance Scholarship. Known by his nickname “Jerms,” Lt. McGraw was a student in the MacArthur School of Leadership at PBA, while serving as a Marine reservist in West Palm Beach. Lt. McGraw passed away on Sept. 10, 2009, at age 22, during a training exercise in Central Florida while serving his country. Just prior to his death, Lt. McGraw had earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from PBA. “Jerms was known for his willingness to help anyone, anytime, anywhere,” said his father, Tim McGraw. “In keeping with his heart, we are directing that this scholarship be awarded to students who are dealing with significant setbacks in their lives and are in need of a helping hand to make a fresh start – in other words, students who need a second chance.”
Dr. Lloyd Mims Concert Series
Dr. Lloyd Mims leaves behind an especially impactful legacy at Palm Beach Atlantic University. In his 23 years at PBA, his influence stretched from his role as Distinguished Professor of Music to Director of the PBA Symphony, to Dean of the School of Music and Fine Arts. In 2018, he was named Dean Emeritus. Dr. Mims dedicated his life to investing in music and music education. Among many other roles teaching music and performing worldwide, he was a national officer with the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He and his wife, Marilyn, were deeply involved in Royal Poinciana Chapel’s chorale for over 20 years. Dr. Bob Sharon has generously established the Dr. Lloyd Mims Concert Series as a way to honor his legacy annually at Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Claude H. Rhea Musical Artist Endowment
Dr. Claude H. Rhea, who passed away September 19, 1990, served as the fourth president of Palm Beach Atlantic College from 1982-1990 and was internationally known for his Christian witness through music. His distinguished service to Palm Beach Atlantic University ushered in the development of the Rinker campus and the creation of new academic programs. A native of Missouri, he was a graduate of William Jewell College in Liberty, Missouri, and he later received his doctorate in music from Florida State University and completed additional graduate studies at the University of Missouri and Columbia University.
Kyle Skarstein Memorial Endowed Fund
Kyle Skarstein graduated from Palm Beach Atlantic University in December 2014 . A scholarship has been established to help a Rinker School of Business student who has demonstrated a deep faith in Jesus Christ and has a passion for missions. Kyle participated in two mission trips organized by PBA to Malta. He led the team in his senior year as they helped African refugees learn business English to enable them to relocate and get jobs in Europe or the USA; then bring their families out of hardship to a better place. The team built relationships through the learning experience and shared the good news about Jesus Christ with them. Kyle had a heart of compassion for others and a desire for people to know Jesus. Today, Kyle is with Jesus and we want this scholarship to help other PBA students, like Kyle, to be an ambassador for Jesus.
The Kyle Skarstein Endowed Scholarship was established in September 2018 by Doug and Kim Skarstein as well as friends and family of Kyle to support a missions-minded business student at PBA.
Drew L. Smith III Scholarship Fund
The Drew L. Smith III Memorial Scholarship, generously established by Sally A. Smith, honors the memory of Drew Smith, her stepson, who passed away on February 22, 2017. Drew was an outstanding student pursuing a business degree at Palm Beach Atlantic University at the time of his passing. The university recognizes Sally’s commitment to the future generations of PBA students in loving memory of Drew L. Smith, III.
James H. Swick Mathematics Award
Upon Professor Karen Swick’s retirement from PBA in 2002, the University established the Karen Swick Award to honor her 20 years of service as a professor of mathematics. Mrs. Swick received numerous honors and awards for her teaching. Her extensive career as a mathematics educator also included countless hours of service on numerous boards, committees, and councils, as well as speaking at teachers’ conferences, serving as a volunteer mathematics tutor at PBA and a judge for local elementary and middle school science and mathematics fairs. In 2006, Karen’s son James Swick joined PBA as a professor of mathematics. James, known to most as Jim, quickly became a beloved professor at PBA. Like his mother, Jim received multiple awards for his teaching throughout his career. For over a decade, Professor Swick served at PBA, instructing and influencing countless students. Upon Jim’s passing in 2023, the scholarship was renamed to honor his memory and legacy.
Sarah White Memorial Scholarship
Joel and Cindy House lost their daughter, Sarah White to cancer in 2008 at the age of 34. She left behind a loving husband and 3 beautiful young daughters. Her sister Rachel (House) Eshelman graduated from PBA in 2001 and inspired the idea to create a scholarship in her sister’s name. This scholarship was established by Joel and Cindy House in 2017 to honor Sarah’s memory by assisting students who are also dealing with the loss of a parent and who demonstrate a financial need to attend Palm Beach Atlantic University.