Neil Foley

Dear Donna, I am absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Ed and Aline Patane Kind, Compassion, Joy, and Generosity Memorial Scholarship! Receiving this award fills me with incredible gratitude and pride, celebrating two extraordinary individuals whose values of kindness and service inspire me every day. This scholarship truly energizes me, easing my financial burdens and empowering me to immerse myself fully in my Accounting and Financial Planning studies at the University of South Florida. It also gives me the confidence to continue giving back through my involvement in campus organizations like the Investment Club, Financial Coaching, and Phi Chi Theta. As someone passionate about the power of compassion and community, I am excited to carry forward Ed and Aline Patane’s remarkable legacy through this scholarship. Their example fuels my motivation to treat others with generosity and joy, lessons I aim to embody both academically and in my future career. Your incredible generosity and dedication to celebrating Ed and Aline’s spirit inspire me to pursue excellence not only professionally but also through kindness and service. I can't wait to make a positive impact on those around me, just as this scholarship has already empowered me to do. Thank you so much, Neil Foley

Emily Barrera

Dear Donna, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for being selected as a recipient of the Ed and Aline Patane Kind, Compassion, Joy and Generosity Memorial Scholarship. Being chosen for this honor truly means the world to me, especially as someone who is working hard to fund my own education and carve out a path as a first-generation college student. Receiving this scholarship brings me significant relief and allows me to give my full attention to my nursing studies and clinical training, rather than worrying about how I’ll cover the next semester’s expenses. Your generosity lifts a major weight off my shoulders and keeps me moving forward on my journey to become a labor and delivery nurse—a dream that’s incredibly important to me. I am committed to offering the same care, kindness, and support to women and families that I have received through your support. I'm honored to carry on Ed and Aline Patane’s legacy through this scholarship. Learning about their commitment to kindness and service inspires me to embody these values in my own life and future nursing career. Your support has made such a positive difference in my life, and I’m truly grateful for your kindness and trust. I hope to one day help others as you have helped me. Thank you, Emily Barrera