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The University of West Florida has received a $5 million gift from the Baer Family Foundation. The funding will benefit the UWF College of Business, which will now be named the Lewis Baer Junior College of Business, and will be announced by the UWF Board of Trustees at its June meeting. Approval is expected to be awaited.
Until his death last year, Louis Baer Jr. was one of Pensacola’s greatest philanthropists and political figures. His business acumen and passion for Pensacola were remembered during the event.
UWF President Martha Sanders announced the gift Friday at a press conference at the university. The funds will go toward scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as to strengthen the Lewis Baer Junior College of Business to “provide a world-class teaching and learning environment” through business education. It is planned to be used.
This is the third university to be named in UWF’s history.
“Over the years, the university has grown widely and gained recognition,” Sanders said. “Today, we are honored to recognize the generous gift of the Baer Family Foundation in awarding us the name of the Lewis Baer Junior College of Business.” There is a long tradition of contributing both in terms of time, volunteer work and leadership activities.
Mr. Baer was the longtime president and CEO of Lewis Baer Company, a Pensacola beverage distributor. Baer and his company founded the Baer Family Foundation in 2002. Since then, the foundation has awarded millions of dollars in grants to more than 118 of his local nonprofit organizations.
Bear was an avid supporter of UWF. He is a past UWF Board Chair, UWF Foundation Director, and UWF Foundation Fellow. He also served as a trustee of the university for more than a decade and played a key role in developing the university’s infrastructure, academic programs, and processes.
Before his death, Sanders awarded Bear an honorary doctorate in recognition of his character, accomplishments, and contributions to the community. An honorary doctorate recognizes outstanding achievement and is considered the highest recognition a university can bestow.
Mr. Baer also served on other community boards, including the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, Escambia County United Way, as president of the Pensacola Museum of Art, and on the board of the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition.
Related:Louis Baer Jr., one of Pensacola’s greatest philanthropists and political figures, dies at age 82
Bear’s family also joined in announcing Sanders’ new name, celebrating the life and accomplishments of a “remarkable father, husband and friend.” Bear’s wife, Belle, said Bear was always an avid supporter of UWF, both at her home and in Tallahassee.
“His advocacy efforts were successful because of his keen understanding of the legislative process and the relationships he built with local delegations and legislative leaders,” Belle Baer said. “The University of West Florida Lewis Baer Junior College of Business is a testament to his love for UWF.”
Louis Baer Jr. passed away one year ago this month at the age of 82. Even as he was sick and hospitalized, he was thrilled to receive an honorary doctorate, and his family said the naming represented his lifelong dedication to his family. Business, community, and UWF.
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