Former Adjunct Faculty Member, Wife of Dean, Honored in Memorial Endowment

MELBOURNE, FLA.—The passing last year of one of Florida Institute of Technology’s most recognizable and beloved faculty members, Susan Stackpoole, prompted her husband, Ken Stackpoole, dean of the College of Aeronautics and vice president for aviation programs, to establish an endowed fund to further the mission started by his wife.

“As a teacher for our online programs, Susan understood the value of such programs and wanted to see them grow,” Stackpoole said. “This endowment will enhance our offerings here in aeronautics.”
The Susan Stackpoole Endowed Fund for College of Aeronautics Faculty, Programs and Lab Enrichment will support efforts throughout the college, including expanding the college’s graduate online offerings.

“Putting more academic programs online will allow our alumni across the world to have access to our graduate programs. That’s what Susan began, and that’s why the fund was created,” said T. Dwayne McCay, Florida Tech COO and executive vice president. “We also expect to put our new Ph.D. program online in the future.”

The endowment will be used to enhance on-campus laboratories as well. Stackpoole has generously contributed the first $25,000 to the fund, which will give the fund endowed status in its first eligible year.

“Susan was a true ambassador for the university and always carried the Florida Tech message with her, whether she was wearing the hat of faculty member or wife of one of the university’s most senior leaders. This fund will allow alumni, faculty, staff, friends, family and those in the community who knew her to honor her memory in a most fitting way,” said Susan St. Onge, senior vice president and chief development officer. Gifts can be made to Florida Institute of Technology with a note directing it to the Susan Stackpoole Endowed Fund.