(Bradenton, Fla., June 27, 2024) — The State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) named its Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld Library and Learning Center at a brief ceremony on June 25 presented in the Atrium at the Center, Building 3, at SCF Bradenton. The dedication featured SCF President Carol F. Probstfeld’s portrait and name sign display, an unveiling of renderings of the outdoor signage to be installed and remarks from the president. Dr. Probstfeld was instrumental in overseeing the development of this award-winning center opened in 2018 as a hub for student studies and socialization and community partnerships and collaboration.

“This is an exciting and exceptional event that happens rarely at the College,” said Rod Thomson, SCF Board of Trustees chair since 2016. “In recognition of her immense contributions, we are proud to announce the naming of this center as the Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld Library and Learning Center, a testament to her enduring legacy,” he said.

Dr. Probstfeld shared the personal meaning of the center bearing the name of her beloved parents and memories of her childhood library visits with her family. Her mom, a first female Marines servicemember during World War II, and her father, a Navy servicemember injured in Pacific Theater combat during World War II, taught her about the value of learning and education. She recalled exploring the public and law libraries, courthouse and college situated in a beautiful triad in her community, getting her first library card at age six and the smell of books in the library buildings. Although her parents didn’t have opportunities themselves to go to college, they worked hard to help send her to college.

“I think spending that time in a library when I was a child made all the difference and gave me the tools that I needed to be able to pursue a career that I wanted,” Dr. Probstfeld said. Regarding her 22 years of service to SCF, she said, “It’s just overwhelming, and breathtaking and humbling. I can’t begin to say thank you enough.”

The 64,000-square-foot center received the Learning By Design Outstanding Project award in 2018. The Florida Legislature provided budgetary funding for the building construction while SCF Foundation raised community funding for equipment and furnishings.

For more information about SCF giving opportunities, visit SCF-Foundation.org.

Photo caption: Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld speaks during the Library & Learning Center naming and dedication ceremony at SCF Bradenton.

Photo caption: SCF Board of Trustees members and staff members attend the Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld Library & Learning Center naming and dedication ceremony at SCF Bradenton.

Photo caption: Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld Library & Learning Center name sign displayed at SCF Bradenton

B-roll video: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KcoviBbAp86VdcTCwvpadZPMqYTh9_Yt/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rlL9I3pJ1AH7NNmpK9LaA_XY0CMxI047/view?usp=sharing

Photo and video credit: State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota