Changemakers, Our Work for Educators, Our Work for Students

Renovation of The Frank and Ellen Daveler Center for Innovation in Learning Officially Begins

Champions For Learning Board Members Barbara-Melvin-Dr.-Bruce-Mousa-Chuck-Carlsen-Stephanie-Lucarelli-Susan-McManus

PRESS RELEASE

(February 3, 2021 – Naples, FL)  PBS Contractors broke ground to mark the start of the construction for the $500,00 Frank and Ellen Daveler Center for Innovation in Learning at Champions For Learning on Friday, January 29, 2021.  The project includes both an expansion and a renovation and the new Center for Innovation in Learning will provide a collaborative, multi-use space for teachers, students, parents, volunteers and community partners to support one another.

Champions for learning staff renovation projectLeading the renovation kickoff ceremony were several members of Champions For Learning’s Board of Directors, including Barbara Melvin, Dr. Bruce Mousa, Chuck Carlsen, Stephanie Lucarelli and Susan McManus.

In 2016, Champions For Learning purchased the first floor of our office building.  Thanks to the generosity of Mary Seaton Breese, Lavern Norris Gaynor and Mary Garwood Ingram, the space became the permanent home of Champions For Learning.  Since then, Champions For Learning utilized two-thirds of the space and the other third had been occupied by a tenant, who has since moved.  This gave Champions For Learning an opportunity to transform this additional space into a Center For Innovation in Learning.

Aligning with the Davelers’ life experiences, the Center will have a heightened focus on developing the entrepreneurial spirt in our community around learning.  An entrepreneurial spirit supports the ability to innovate solutions to complex social, economic and environmental challenges.  This center will enable students, teachers, volunteers and community partners toward this goal, and continue to provide the collaborative capacity for Champions For Learning to facilitate the Future Ready Collier network. The Frank and Ellen Daveler Center For Innovation in Learning is scheduled to be complete by Spring 2021.

Mr. Frank Daveler, Champions for Learning's Center for Innovation in Learning

Frank Daveler embodied the spirit of innovation, not just in his decades-long career, but in his devotion to uplifting the next generations of entrepreneurs.  Believing in the power of curiosity and a love for learning, Frank was honored to facilitate countless students’ ambitions as they pursued their own success through opportunities otherwise inaccessible.

The new Frank and Ellen Daveler Center for Innovation in Learning will expand the capacity and opportunities for Champions For Learning to support collaboration and innovation with teachers, students, parents, volunteers and community partners,” explained Susan McManus, President & CEO, Champions For Learning.  “The expansion and renovation of the remainder of the first floor will provide much needed space, technology and enhanced efficiency and will illustrate the entrepreneurial spirit that the Davelers valued.”

In addition, Mr. Daveler will be honored at this year’s Celebration of Champions event, a virtual celebration honoring those who exemplify what it means to make a commitment to our students and their futures through mentoring, leadership, collaboration and community involvement with educators and students. Individuals may register to watch the virtual experience and participate in the online auction at no cost. To register, visit https://championsforlearning.org/celebration-of-champions/.

About Champions For Learning™
Champions For Learning™, the education foundation in Collier County, is an independent, community-based, non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that strives to create life-changing learning experiences for every student. With a vision of a community that is 100% engaged in support of student success, Champions For Learning serves a unique role in bringing the community together to support a culture of learning and innovation. The organization has been awarded the highest four-star rating for sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency by Charity Navigator and achieved the highest distinction as an exemplary Local Education Foundation. Become a Champion for Learning and visit ChampionsForLearning.org.

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