Beacon College recently received a $160,000 grant from The Edward C. Fogg, III and Lizbeth A. Fogg Charitable Trust to support the construction of its Intramural and Fitness Center and to fund scholarships for disadvantaged students with learning and attention issues.
In its 34th year, Beacon is enjoying record enrollment and a growing national reputation of excellence in educating students with learning differences in the midst of a $12 million capital campaign to build a fitness complex and provide more opportunities to needy students through scholarships — goals buoyed through the continuing philanthropy of the Fogg Charitable Trust.
“By the time our students get to Beacon, they have traveled a long, hard road. Families expend significant personal financial resources during the K-12 years to compensate for inadequate individualized attention,” said Beacon President George J. Hagerty. “Enrolling or returning to Beacon, for some, often remains an uncertainty until donors step forward to fund student scholarships. That is why the Fogg Charitable Trust’s continued willingness to support the Edward C. Fogg, III & Lisbeth A. Fogg Scholarship program is so meaningful and impactful. The Fogg scholarship program is truly helping our students have full access to an education and experience that is truly transforming lives.”
The Fogg grant also will support the construction of an $8.5 million, 28,000-square-foot Intramural & Fitness Center. The new facility — critical to enhancing students’ physical wellness and quality of life — will include university-regulation basketball courts, a well-equipped fitness center, and a one-tenth-mile running track.
“While physical activity is important for all, it is especially important for Beacon College’s neurodivergent student population,” said Rich Killion, Beacon vice president of advancement and strategy. “Over 70% of Beacon students participate regularly in fitness, intramural, recreation and competitive athletic programming. Thanks to the valued support of the Fogg Charitable Trust, this greatly needed and anticipated addition to our campus will place, front and center, the importance of exercise and physical activity for the neurodivergent and its role in fostering self-confidence, focus, mental health, discipline and social development.”
The Foggs made their fortune in citrus and in developing farm and convenience stores that primarily sold milk, bread, and ice cream. They owned multiple stores throughout Florida, including three in Leesburg.
Edward Fogg died in November 2004. Lisabeth passed away in February 2015.
Their legacy of community support continues through The Edward C Fogg III and Lisbeth A. Fogg Charitable Trust of Camilla, Ga., primarily supporting causes focused on hospitals, medical research, humanities, domesticated animals, human services, and education.