Inspire Magazine 2021

Board of Directors Spotlight: Dorothy Korszen

There was no “aha!” moment for Dorothy Korszen ‘78 that made her realize how important it was to support the SCF Foundation. It was a deliberate process of becoming educated about how necessary the Foundation is to making educational opportunities possible that inspired the president of the Foundation’s board of directors.

Korszen, who graduated from Venice High School, attended Manatee Junior College (now SCF) in Bradenton because the College had not yet expanded into Sarasota County. Attending college locally allowed Korszen to weather personal and financial challenges and use her associate degree as a springboard to a bachelor’s degree in engineering at the University of Florida before graduating magna cum laude from law school at the University of Miami. She currently practices as a partner at The Farr Law Firm.

“We weren’t in a great financial situation when I graduated from Venice High School, so I was just so grateful to have what is now SCF close by and to have that opportunity to start my college education right away,” said Korszen.

Always a lover of music, Korszen first learned about the Foundation’s mission while attending Evening Under the Stars at SCF Venice. She once believed the fantastic opportunities at SCF were funded extensively by state tax funds, a misconception she knows many still hold. Once she learned that the Foundation and the board of directors are the driving force behind scholarships,

capital improvements and other important initiatives, she jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

“I honestly found it surprising there would even need to be a Foundation, but then I learned the primary tax funding for capital projects was from landline phones taxes, and no one even has landlines anymore!” Korszen noted. “If we need a new building, a new program, more scholarships, and to keep SCF as a vibrant part of our community, we’ve got to do the work.”

Korszen plans to use her term as president to continue strengthening the impact of the Foundation. She is hard at work strategizing with Foundation Executive Director Cassandra Holmes on plans for the year ahead.

“I’m looking forward to keeping the board engaged and keeping enthusiasm high now that we can gather in person again and host events again, starting with the Scholarship Luncheon on November 3,” said Korszen.

Evening Under the Stars remains a personal favorite for Korszen, who is excited to see it return in 2022 after a two-year hiatus. She loves the showcase of the ultra-talented music students, as well as the cause of raising funds for “making higher education possible.”

“Having SCF in our community is invaluable because I always say education is the great equalizer, and the Foundation is here to help make it happen,” said Korszen.