Krewe of Sant' Yago Education Foundation Gives UT $125,000 for Scholarships

The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation has awarded The University of Tampa $125,000 to fund scholarships for deserving Latin students.

The award was made on Friday, Feb. 1 at the Krewe of Sant’ Yago Mayor’s Proclamation Luncheon at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City.

“The Krewe of Sant’ Yago Education Foundation has never been willing to rest comfortably when deserving students in need are abundant,” said Dr. O. Rex Damron, president of the foundation. “Perhaps our successes in offering higher education scholarships to students, who otherwise may not have this opportunity, will create a broader community-based philanthropic response to a pervasive national concern.”

In the past seven years, Sant’ Yago has granted educational institutions more than $800,000 in the form of scholarships, endowments and matching funds.

The Foundation already has endowed three scholarships at UT, and also has awarded scholarships and endowments to Hillsborough Community College and the University of South Florida.

Dr. Ronald L. Vaughn, president of UT, said he was pleased to continue the relationship with Sant’ Yago and support their efforts in making college possible for Hispanic students.

“UT has a long history of being accessible to minority students, and to Hispanic students in particular,” Vaughn said. “This will help us to continue that mission.”

The Sant’ Yago Education Foundation was created 12 years ago to fund academically deserving Latin students with financial need. The Krewe of the Knights of Sant’ Yago of Tampa was established in 1970 to preserve the Latin culture and now boasts 275 members. The Krewe’s mission is dedication to itself and the continued improvement of life and cultural progress.