Roger Vasey, a longtime supporter and board member at Guadalupe Center, has been named a trustee emeritus in recognition of his distinguished service, engagement, consistent philanthropic support and leadership in the nonprofit organization.
Vasey began his tenure on the board of trustees in 2003, and served as chair from 2009-2013 during which time Guadalupe Center entered a period of rapid expansion and influence within the Immokalee community. Today, Guadalupe Center serves 1,300 children from infancy through high school, and each of its highly successful academic programs has developed a lengthy waiting list.
“Roger played an enormous role in transforming Guadalupe Center from a small organization with big dreams to a multifaceted operation that’s following through on its pledge to break the cycle of poverty for the youth of Immokalee,” said Dawn Montecalvo, president of Guadalupe Center. “Roger’s support and guidance over the years has been invaluable, and we’re looking forward to his involvement for many years to come.”
Vasey, of Naples, is a retired executive vice president at Merrill Lynch with a history of service to nonprofit organizations, particularly those committed to education. Vasey met his wife, Sandy, while working in a mentoring program for underprivileged children in Chicago. Guadalupe Center serves a similar at-risk population of predominantly low-income, minority students.
“For more than 20 years, Sandy and I have committed ourselves to raising funds to expand Guadalupe Center’s reach, and to ensure that the children in Immokalee have been able to take advantage of our programs, including a college degree and beyond,” Roger Vasey said.
Vasey, who received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in 1958 and a master’s in business administration from the University of Chicago in 1970, was honored with the title of trustee emeritus at Guadalupe Center’s Signature Event. “Old Hollywood: The Glitz, The Glamour, The Giving,” which raised $1.2 million to support Guadalupe Center’s three educational programs: Early Childhood Education, After-school Tutoring & Summer Enrichment and Tutor Corps.
About Guadalupe Center
Guadalupe Center is a purpose-driven, nonprofit organization with proven results in creating endless possibilities for the students of Immokalee through education and fostering personal and academic success that leads to economic independence. With a focus on breaking the cycle of poverty through education, Guadalupe Center is proud of the children’s accomplishments: 94 percent meet or exceed kindergarten readiness measures, 100 percent of Tutor Corps high school seniors graduate high school and are accepted into college, and more than 92 percent graduate with a post-secondary degree.
